Tonga’s 44-22 win over Hong Kong in Saturday’s Asia/Pacific 1 play-off at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Australia not only qualified the ‘Ikale Tahi for Rugby World Cup 2023 but it also had implications on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini.
With only 0.70 of a point gained, Tonga weren’t able to improve on the 16th position they held before kick-off, but the gap between themselves and Spain, the side above them, is down to just 1.48 points.
As the rankings operates under a points exchange system, Hong Kong lose as many points as Tonga gain, and taking 0.70 of a point off the Asia champions brings their total down to 61.03 points – 0.21 of a point less than Chile, who move up to a new all-time 21st as a result.
It is the second time in as many weeks that Los Condores have risen to a new high. The week before they climbed to a then record best of 22nd after beating USA 31-29 in the second leg of the Americas 2 play-off for Rugby World Cup 2023.
Further progress up the rankings for Chile is unlikely in the immediate future, however, as Portugal hold a 3.88-point lead over them in 20th place.