Japan’s thrilling 49-27 victory over Samoa in the second semi-final of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in Tokyo on Sunday brought about the only significant change to the World Rugby Men’s Rankings this weekend.
The Brave Blossoms went into the match one place lower than Samoa but they’re now the higher-ranked of the two teams in 13th, with a rating of 73.53 points, an increase of 1.24 points on their previous total.
After three consecutive wins, Japan are now just 0.57 points away from catching Georgia, who beat them in July. Meanwhile, Samoa drop down to 14th, on 72.30 points.
The first of the semi-finals, a 22-3 win for Fiji against USA, did not lead to any change in either team’s status. Fiji’s rating remained unmoved on 78.43 points, with their ranking of 10th maintained, while USA remain 19th on 66.08 points.
Tonga’s 30-17 win over Canada in the fifth place play-off saw them pick up an additional 0.34 points but their improved rating of 68.12 points still has them ranked in 16th, while Canada stay in 22nd, a fraction ahead of Hong Kong China.
