Fiji climbed three places to return to the world’s top 10 for the first time since the beginning of Rugby World Cup 2019, thanks to their 33-19 win over Samoa at the weekend, their second consecutive victory in the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup.
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians gained 1.51 points from the win, for an improved rating of 76.86 points, leapfrogging Japan and Georgia to trade places with Samoa, who dropped to 13th.
Fiji took control of the game from the start at Apia Park on Saturday. The side opened a dominant lead of 30-5 in the first half, with hooker Tevita Ikanivere scoring two tries, and center Iosefo Masi adding another try. Winger Selestino Ravutaumada also contributed with a try, while fly-half Caleb Muntz successfully converted two tries and kicked two penalties. Manu Samoa managed to score only one unconverted try through Christian Leali’ifano in the first half. However, they showed some fight in the second half, scoring tries through winger Tumua Manu and captain Fritz Lee, reducing the deficit.
The other notable mover in the rankings was New Zealand who move to second place they retained the Rugby Championship title, and with it the Bledisloe Cup for at least another year, following a 38-7 victory over Australia in Melbourne last weekend.
The win, their sixth straight victory over the Wallabies sees them displace Rugby World Cup 2023 hosts France who move to third. As of now, Ireland remains at the top of the world rankings.
