Ireland's one-point loss to Australia in the World Cup on Saturday means they slip from third to fifth in the latest edition of the IRB world rankings issued today.
Australia climbed from fourth to third while France also leapt above Ireland into fourth spot following their pool win over the United States.
The only other changes in the top 10 involve Scotland replacing Samoa at ninth after their last-gasp win over Fiji.
England retained their place at the top of the rankings, just ahead of New Zealand.
Rankings
1. (1) England 90.24
2. (2) New Zealand 89.80
3. (4) Australia 86.20
4. (5) France 83.57
5. (3) Ireland 83.51
6. (6) South Africa 81.84
7. (7) Argentina 78.02
8. (8) Wales 76.92
9. (10) Scotland 76.36
10. (9) Samoa 73.46