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Wales fans storm All Blacks Twitter page after world rankings tweet

By Josh Raisey
All Blacks perform a haka prior to a test against Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Wales fans have set their sights on toppling the All Blacks after the newly updated world rankings were released.

Following their Grand Slam, Warren Gatland’s men have leapfrogged Ireland into second place, which is justified given the one-sided nature of their match in the final weekend of the Six Nations.

The All Blacks released the new rankings on their Twitter page, and faced a barrage from buoyant Welsh fans, intent on claiming the number one spot for the first time at this year’s World Cup.

The Welsh are now on a 14-game unbeaten streak, and are in a terrific position to challenge at this year’s showcase in Japan.

This is what the Welsh fans are saying:

Meanwhile, All Blacks fans do not seem particularly concerned by Wales’ rise. Since the last World Cup, both England and Ireland have pushed New Zealand for the top spot, with Ireland even beating them last Autumn, but neither side has been able to sustain their pressure.

It is unsurprising that the New Zealand fans are not phased by the rise of Gatland’s team, given their dominance of international rugby, and the fact that Wales have not beaten them in over 50 years.

However, Australia’s descent to sixth place seems to be more interesting to many All Blacks fans, as they are basking in the fact that their bitter rivals are in the doldrums. With South Africa also in fifth place, the World Cup is shaping up to be a tournament where the southern hemisphere teams do not necessarily dominate.

There is a growing number of fans that are keen for a New Zealand vs Wales final, which, based on the latest rankings, has the greatest possibility. Nonetheless, the indomitable spirit that has exuded from the All Blacks over the past decade is apparent in their fans, as Wales become the latest challengers for their top spot.

This is what the fans are saying: