Ireland have equalled their best ever position of third in the IRB World Rankings, a position they last occupied in November 2006.
Australia have returned to third in the latest IRB World Rankings after recording a tenth successive victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Uruguay staged a second half comeback to book their place at next year's Rugby World Cup, defeating Russia 57-49 on aggregate.
Uruguay host Russia in the final qualifier for the 2015 Rugby World Cup on Saturday, with the winners advancing to next year's RWC.
Russia secured a 22-21 win over Uruguay in the first leg of their 2015 Rugby World Cup play-off in Krasnoyarsk on Saturday.
It's time to look back through some of the best soundbites and quips from the last year.
Relive the action from Uruguay's triumph over Russia in their RWC qualifier in Montevideo
New Zealand moved one step closer to the HSBC World Sevens Series crown after beating England in the final at Scotstoun Stadium. Relive their win!
We take a look back at the best images from Saturday's game between Australia and debutants Russia.
We take a look back at some of the images from Italy's nine-try romp on Tuesday.
Relive the action from Uruguay's triumph over Russia in their RWC qualifier in Montevideo
Russia photo galleries homeIt's that time of year again! Get set for the annual North v South Derby at the Stade de Frigid on December 25.
We at Planet Rugby put our heads together and came up with 50 rugby-related questions from 2014 and beyond. Let's see how you do!
Welcome to Loose Pass, our weekly dishing up of mince pies, Christmas puddings and festive roasts.
Getting your shot in the first-team is part of the ongoing battle for rugby hopefuls, but in 2014 this group of starlets took their opportunity.