The Flying Fijians have climbed to 9th place in the latest World Rugby rankings, overtaking Australia. This surge follows their impressive 41-17 victory over Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final held in Osaka last Saturday night.
Fiji’s success in the tournament was underscored by earlier wins against Samoa, Tonga, and the United States. The team’s performance has captivated a global audience through a series of thrilling test matches.
Japan, coached by renowned strategist Eddie Jones, has also improved during the tournament but was unable to match Fiji’s determination. Fijian coach Mick Byrne highlighted the significance of nurturing young talent for the future, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for us in the PNC to select a good bunch of young players.”
Byrne acknowledged the contributions of experienced players from the previous World Cup but noted that replacements will be necessary in the coming years. He emphasized the importance of early exposure for the squad, saying, “The sooner we can get them in the test arena, the better it is for the future of the team and for Fiji Rugby.”
With Fiji’s advancement in the World Rankings, Australia has dropped to 10th position for the first time, while Argentina has moved up to 6th. South Africa now occupies the second spot, with Ireland leading the standings.