Tonga have inched closer to the USA above them in the latest IRB World Rankings after edging a tight encounter with Chile 32-30 at the San Carlos de Apoquindo Facilities in Santiago last Wednesday.
The Pacific Islanders stopped off for a first ever international test match with Chile en route to the Argentine city of Cordoba, where their A side will play in a new-look Americas Rugby Championship against the Argentina Jaguars, Canada Selects and USA Select XV from 5-15 October.
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Tries from Taumei Hikila, Damien Fakafanua, Petuliki Mateo and Michael Toloke helped Tonga secure the victory which has improved their rating by just under three tenths, increasing their advantage over European Nations Cup champions Georgia to a point.
Tonga, though, remain in 17th spot, albeit now only five tenths behind the USA Eagles. Chile, meanwhile, stay 24th despite the loss by a youthful looking side on home soil, but slip slightly further behind Spain above them and into the clutches of Morocco beneath.
There was one other test match over the last seven days, although the opening encounter of the restructured European Nations Cup 2012 between Switzerland and Armenia on Saturday did not have any impact on the IRB World Rankings.
Switzerland emerged the 30-27 victors of this Division 2B affair on home soil in Lausanne, but as their opponents Armenia not yet an IRB Full Member Union they are not ranked.
