Finland are up to a new high of 38th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini following a hard-fought 3-0 win away to Czechia on Saturday.
Anna Soiluva kicked the only points of the match around the hour-mark to hand Finland their first win over Czechia, the two-time Trophy champions, at the fourth attempt.
The victory moved Finland up to second in the Rugby Europe Trophy standings but their failure to get a bonus-point win means Portugal now have an unassailable six-point lead at the top with one game left to play.
In terms of the rankings, Finland gained 1.49 points and their new improved rating of 39.56 leaves them five places higher in the rankings.
Czechia, meanwhile, have dropped eight places and are now down in 43rd, which is where Finland started the weekend.
Having played all four of their fixtures, Czechia must now hope that Finland do them a favour when they meet Belgium on a yet-to-be-specified date.
Czechia will finish bottom of the table if Belgium beat Finland by 31 points or win with a try bonus point.
