Uruguay’s convincing 34-15 victory over USA in Montevideo on Saturday saw them clinch the Americas 1 qualification place at Rugby World Cup 2023 and also lifted them above the Eagles in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

Los Teros replace USA in 16th position and now have a 0.21-point advantage over the Eagles after picking up 0.84 of a point for what was only their fourth victory in 20 meetings between the teams.

Uruguay can now look forward to playing New Zealand, France, Italy and the winners of next year’s Africa Cup in Pool A at RWC 2023, while USA get another opportunity to qualify via the Americas 2 play-off with Chile.

Chile’s dream of appearing at a first-ever Rugby World Cup was kept alive when they defeated Canada for the first time in history, 33-24 in Valparaiso.

Los Condores climb two places to 26th with victory for their highest ranking since February 2018, while Canada head in the opposite direction.

Having been eliminated from the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification process, Canada fall two places to 23rd in defeat, with Hong Kong and Russia the beneficiaries.

Historic win lifts Poland

Meanwhile, Poland’s first win in Ukraine at the eighth attempt has seen them overtake Colombia and move into 32nd place. The opening match in this season’s Rugby Europe Trophy ended 27-24 to the visitors. 

Ukraine drop down two places to 38th as a result of the defeat, leading to Czechia and Malta improving their positions.

Denmark’s 29-19 win over Finland in the Rugby Europe Conference 2 North took them above Slovenia and into 71st place. Finland are unmoved in 86th.

In the only other match of the weekend, Andorra came away from Turkey with a 22-12 victory in Conference 2 South but the result had no impact on the rankings with Turkey not a full member union of World Rugby.

Read more: How teams in the Americas will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 >>