The FIJI Water Flying Fijians have successfully climbed back to the ninth position in the World Rugby rankings following their thrilling 24-19 victory over Wales in Cardiff. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the team had recently fallen to tenth place after suffering a heavy defeat against Scotland.
In other notable developments, South Africa has reclaimed the top spot in the rankings after their impressive 32-15 win against Scotland during the Autumn Nations Series. This victory contributed to the Springboks’ rise, especially as Ireland faced a setback, losing 23-13 to New Zealand. This match not only ended Ireland’s remarkable 19-game home winning streak but also allowed New Zealand to ascend to second place, while Ireland dropped two ranks.
The Springboks now hold a 1.25 rating point lead over New Zealand, showcasing their solid performance. Meanwhile, France maintained their fourth position even after a commanding 52-12 win against Japan, as that match did not impact their rating points. However, there was notable movement in the rankings below France; Argentina’s impressive 50-18 victory over Italy, coupled with Australia’s win over England, has propelled them into fifth position, while Scotland’s rise to sixth means England has fallen from fifth to seventh.
This marks England’s lowest ranking in eight years, a position they last held back in February 2016. Italy has also seen a decline, slipping from eighth to tenth, allowing the Flying Fijians to step into the ninth spot, alongside Australia’s revitalization in the rankings.
This recent turnaround for the Flying Fijians exemplifies their resilience and ability to bounce back after tough matches, setting an optimistic tone for their upcoming fixtures and a hopeful outlook for their future in the sport. The changing dynamics in the rankings highlight the competitive nature of rugby on the international stage, promising exciting matches ahead for fans and teams alike.
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