NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 23 – After their Victoria Cup 36-14 win over Zimbabwe’s Sables on Saturday, the Kenya Simbas have moved two places up to 32nd in the latest World Rugby Rankings released Monday.
The Simbas, under the tutelage of head coach Paul Odera finished second in the Victoria Cup behind Zimbabwe who clinched the title courtesy of points difference.
Kenya’s only loss in the tournament was away to the Zimbabweans in Harare while they picked up wins over Zambia and Uganda.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have returned to the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings after beating South Africa 23-13 at the International Stadium Yokohama during the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks’ win, which maintained their proud record as the only nation to win every pool match at rugby’s showpiece event, lifted them above Ireland who kicked off their campaign with a 27-3 defeat of Scotland at the same stadium a day later.
South Africa’s defeat has seen them drop below Wales into fifth with Scotland falling one to eighth after their defeat and France’s nail-biting 23-21 defeat of Argentina at Tokyo Stadium on Saturday.
The final change in the top 10 sees hosts Japan equal their highest ever ranking of ninth. The Brave Blossoms’ 30-10 win over Russia in the opening match did not affect their rating, but Fiji’s 39-21 loss to Australia was enough to drop them below Japan.
England’s 35-3 defeat of Tonga in Pool C and Italy’s 47-22 victory over Namibia in Pool B had no impact on the rankings as a result of the rating point difference between the teams.
-Additional info courtesy World Rugby
