Samoa are now the highest ranked of the Pacific Island nations after their thrilling 19-18 victory over Fiji in the final round of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2023 at Bond University on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The result saw Manusina top the table and confirm their place in WXV 2 as Oceania champions, while also moving them up two places to 16th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini.
Manusina’s new rating of 59.04 points puts them 1.74 points clear of Fiji who have slipped three places to 19th. As a knock-on effect, Kazakhstan have gained a place and are now 18th with Hong Kong China remaining in 17th.
Tonga defeated Papua New Guinea 30-22 in the other match on the final weekend of the tournament, but the third of a point gained for their solitary victory in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2023 was not enough for them to improve on 29th place.
Papua New Guinea, who failed to win a single game over the three rounds but will take confidence from the close nature of the scoreline, remain in 49th place.