Test match rugby this weekend resulted in changes in the Americas Rankings. In all there were five test matches involving teams from the Americas. Uruguay’s historic Nations Cup title and the result of Saturday’s test in the Caribbean has resulted in notable changes.
The Cayman Islands’ 39-17 win over Mexico means that the Caymans have improved their rankings from 43.72 to 45.20 points. Having lost heavily Mexico’s ranking has fallen from 46.61 to 45.12 points. This translates into Mexico falling from 9th to 12th in the Americas Rankings. The Cayman Islands move up one spot to 11th. There are also gains for Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago. Both rise one spot.
The Eagles comeback was not quite enough to defeat Georgia. In losing the USA dropped 0.69 points in the rankings. This sees the USA falling from 66.79 to 66.10 rankings points. It is not enough for the Eagles to fall either in the Americas or World Rankings.
Canada’s home defeat at the hands of Romania sees the North Americans dropping rankings points. The updated Canadian ranking position is unchanged. Canada continues to be 4th in the Americas and 23rd in the world. The Maples Leafs have dropped 0.42 points to fall from 59.63 to 59.21 points.
England’s 35-25 victory in Santa Fé sees the Europeans gaining 0.27 rankings points. Those points have been lost by Argentina. This sees Los Pumas falling from 79.58 to 79.31 points. Argentina remains well out in front in the Americas but in World Rankings the South Americans are edging closer to the 10th placed Fiji.
Uruguay’s struggle to bring the Nations Cup to Montevideo has paid off. Los Teros backed up their win over Russia on Wednesday by defeating Spain today. Combined the results see Uruguay now ranked 18th in the world and well distanced above Canada in the Americas Rankings. Uruguay achieved a 1.67 point gain to rise to 63.15 points. Spain, Russia and Namibia are 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.
Test match rugby resumes next Saturday. Argentina play host to Georgia in Jujuy while Brazil take-on Romania in Bucharest. The vital match, though, is that of Canada vs USA. Hamilton, Ontario. It will be the setting for the first of two Rugby World Cup qualifiers between the sides.