Netherlands soar two places in World Rugby rankings after massive win

The Netherlands’ huge WXV Global Series Challenger win against Samoa has seen the Oranje leap two places up the World Rugby rankings.

On Sunday afternoon, Gareth Gilbert’s team registered a dominant 70-nil win against Manusina and crossed the whitewash 12 times.

Dames wing Kika Mulling scored four tries to start her WXV Global Series Challenger campaign on a high note. Both Gwen van der Schoot and Linde van der Velden registered a brace.

The result has seen the Netherlands trade places with Samoa in the World Rugby rankings. The Netherlands now occupy 15th place and Samoa have dropped to 17th.

Elsewhere at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, Hong Kong China picked up a stunning 29-24 win against Brazil, while the Fijiana beat Spain 38-32 to start the competition.

Las Leonas’ loss meant that they did not move up to places to replace Fiji in 12th. Brazil missed out on 22nd as a result of their last-minute defeat.

Ahead of the weekend, there were a myriad of potential changes in the World Rugby rankings – although England, Canada and Hong Kong China could not better their place in the standings.

The Black Ferns could have lost second-place in the rankings to Canada, if they had lost by 15 points or more against France. The way things played out, Whitney Hansen’s time in charge of New Zealand continued spotlessly and the six-time world champions beat Les Bleues 28-14 in Lyon.

This result also meant that Canada did not surrender third-place. In Edinburgh, Kévin Rouet’s team scored 10 tries on their way to a 64-26 win at Hive Stadium.

Despite having impressed in Salford, the Wallaroos lost 48-15 to the Red Roses. A draw or better could have seen Tim Walsh’s team lifted to seventh.

At half-time, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 hosts led England 10-5 before England scored seven second half tries to lock up a big win.