The Flying Fijians have ascended to the 9th position in the latest World Rugby rankings, moving ahead of Australia. This advancement follows their impressive 41-17 victory over Japan in the grand final of the Pacific Nations Cup held in Osaka, Japan, last Saturday night.
Throughout the tournament, Fiji also claimed victories against Samoa, Tonga, and the United States. This significant rise in ranking follows a series of thrilling test matches that captivated audiences worldwide.
Japan, coached by the renowned Eddie Jones, made commendable progress in the tournament but ultimately fell short against a resolute Fijian team led by Mick Byrne. Byrne stressed the importance of nurturing young talent for the team’s future.
Byrne stated, “It’s a great opportunity for us in the PNC to select a good bunch of young players. We know there were some great senior players that did a good job during the World Cup last year, and over the course of the next few years, some of those players will be replaced.”
This victory underscores Fiji’s potential, as Byrne emphasized that many players in the squad are still at the beginning of their professional careers. “The sooner we can get them in the test arena, the better it is for the future of the team and for Fiji Rugby,” he noted.
In the updated World Rankings, Fiji’s elevation pushes Australia to the 10th position for the first time, while Argentina moves up to 6th place. South Africa now holds the second position, with Ireland retaining the top spot.