The French national rugby team, known as the 'Bleus', has made a significant leap in the World Rugby rankings, climbing to third place after a dominant performance in the Six Nations tournament. Their recent victory in Cardiff, with a score of 54-12 against Wales, coupled with England's defeat to Scotland (31-20), has allowed France to surpass its traditional rival, the English team, in the standings. The French squad had already captured fourth place earlier in the tournament, following their inaugural match against Ireland, but this new ranking marks a notable achievement for the team under the leadership of captain Antoine Dupont.

Currently, the French team sits at 88.40 points, still trailing behind the reigning world champions from South Africa at 93.94 points and New Zealand at 90.33 points. However, with several matches remaining in the Six Nations, France remains in contention for a Grand Slam victory - a feat that would ensure they finish the tournament as the second-ranked team behind the Springboks by mid-March. This scenario is plausible as New Zealand will not compete in any matches until July, giving France a prime opportunity to secure their place among the top teams in international rugby.

Overall, this surge in the rankings reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of French rugby on the world stage, highlighting the potential for a strong finish in the ongoing Six Nations tournament. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Bleus, who have shown they can compete at the highest level and have the talent to challenge for the top honors in future international competitions.