The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have made a significant comeback, reclaiming the ninth position in the World Rugby rankings following their thrilling 24-19 victory against Wales in Cardiff. This win is particularly notable as the team had fallen to tenth place just the previous week after a challenging defeat to Scotland.
In a turn of events, the Springboks have clinched the top spot in the rankings once again, thanks to their convincing 32-15 win over Scotland during the Autumn Nations Series. Meanwhile, Ireland’s recent loss to the All Blacks, with a score of 23-13, caused them to give up their number one ranking, paving the way for South Africa to rise to the top. This match also marked the end of Ireland’s impressive 19-match home winning streak.
New Zealand benefitted from Ireland’s defeat, climbing to second place in the rankings. The All Blacks’ performance was further bolstered by their successful outing against Ireland, allowing them to move up a rank. The Springboks, with their decisive 17-point victory over Scotland, have opened a 1.25 rating point lead over New Zealand.
Despite a commanding 52-12 victory over Japan, France remains in fourth place without gaining any rating points. Below them, there has been notable movement; Argentina’s impressive 50-18 win over Italy, along with Australia’s victory over England, has allowed both teams to ascend in rank, with Australia now in fifth place.
Scotland’s resilience, despite their loss to South Africa, has led them to move up the rankings to sixth, while England’s drop from fifth to seventh marks their lowest ranking in eight years, a position they last held in February 2016. Italy, after their defeat, has slipped from eighth to tenth, with the Flying Fijians now taking the ninth spot.
This resurgence for Fiji is promising, highlighting their potential and resilience in the international rugby scene. With strong performances like this, they can continue to climb the rankings and compete against the best in the world. Overall, the recent movements in the World Rugby rankings showcase the competitive nature of the sport and the exciting challenges that lie ahead for all teams involved.
In summary, Fiji’s impressive victory reflects a bright future for the team, as they have potentially turned a corner in their competitive journey, which fans and analysts will surely watch closely in the upcoming matches.
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