Tonga has climbed into the top 10 on rugby’s world rankings list for the first time after its shock win over France at the Rugby World Cup.

Despite its elimination after the group stage, Tonga has risen from 13th to 9th on the latest ranking list issued by the International Rugby Board.

France dropped from 5th to 8th place, its lowest ever ranking after the 19-14 weekend loss to Tonga and despite finishing second behind New Zealand in Pool A to reach the knockout rounds.

Quarter finalists Ireland, Wales and Argentina have all moved up one place: Ireland to 5th, Wales to 6th and Argentina to 7th.
 
Scotland has dropped from 9th to 10th after missing out on the quarterfinals for the first time.

The All Blacks remain the number 1 ranked side while South Africa at 2nd place while Australia are at 3rd spot.

The Flying Fijians are in their worst ever rank on 16th place after a disastrous RWC outing.

In the quarter finals this weekend, Ireland will play Wales in Wellington on Saturday at 5pm.

France will play England at Eden Park on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Australia will play South Africa in Wellington on Sunday at 5pm and the All Blacks will face Argentina at Eden Park on Sunday night at 7.30pm.

You can catch the live commentaries of both games   the All Blacks/Argentina and South Africa/Australia game on Sunday, on our sister station Viti-FM with the voice of rugby Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi