Scotland get double World Rugby Rankings boost

Scotland’s dramatic 20-18 win over Ireland in the Rugby World Cup 201 Europe Qualifier in Parma on Sunday has sent them up to ninth position in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, their best position yet.

In rankings terms, the last-gasp victory, sealed at the death when Sarah Law converted Chloe Rollie’s try, was worth just over one-and-a-half rating points and increased their overall total to 73.48 points, enabling them to swap places with Spain who drop to a record-equalling low of 10th.

While Scotland still have to win the Final Qualification Tournament to make it to New Zealand next year, Italy confirmed their place at RWC 2021 alongside Canada and USA in Pool B as winners of the Europe Qualifier with a 34-10 victory over Spain.

As an added bonus, Italy also reclaimed seventh place from Ireland in the rankings.

Scotland’s men moved up to seventh in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings without actually taking to the field.

Argentina’s 27-8 defeat to Australia in Townsville – their fourth straight loss in this year's Rugby Championship – cost them half a rating point which was enough for them to fall below the Scots.

Meanwhile, New Zealand increased their lead over South Africa at the top of the rankings to 1.56 points after a hard-fought 19-17 win over their nearest rivals in the 100th test between the nations.

The Wallabies stay in third but the gap between themselves and the Springboks is down to 4.12 points.

Read more: Italy qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021 while Scotland keep their own dream alive >>