For all the positive talk of England's performance heralding a bright future, the updated rankings will provide a sobering moment for Ian Ritchie on his first day as the Rugby Football Union's new chief executive.
England need to be ranked in the top four by the end of the year if they are to be one of the seeded teams at the next World Cup, which will be played on home soil in 2015.
It is looking a tall order, with England due to play South Africa four times before then plus France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.
England's chances of winning the Webb Ellis Trophy on home soil - the target that will be set for the new permanent national coach - would be hit if they missed out on a place in the top four.
Ritchie has plenty of important RFU governance issues waiting in his in-tray but his first major job will be to oversee the appointment Martin Johnson's permanent successor.
Interviews begin after the Six Nations. So far, interim coach Stuart Lancaster has impressed Twickenham executives.
Saturday's defeat may have cost them fifth place in the rankings but England have improved markedly, led by 20-year-olds Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi.
The Twickenham crowd was excited about the national team again - and that will please Ritchie and the RFU's commercial team following the damaging World Cup fall-out.
But the RFU must be convinced Lancaster can continue England's evolution through to 2015.
Ritchie and the RFU board will also consider the merits of candidates like Nick Mallett, the former South Africa and Italy coach who would come with World Cup experience.
Whoever gets the role will be blessed with a young squad beginning to show a real promise, with Lee Dickson, Ben Morgan and Brad Barritt all making an immediate impact at Test level.
"The young players can definitely take us forward. For me it doesn't really matter how old you are," Tuilagi said.
"When you're on the pitch, whether you're 18 or 30 everyone has a responsibility to the captain and to the rest of the players.
"Whether you have one or two caps everyone has the same responsibility to play the game.
"Every time I go out there I do my best to help England. Unfortunately we lost but I'm really proud of the boys."
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
