JAPAN ROSE ABOVE Fiji and into ninth in rugby’s world rankings today, equalling their best ever standing six weeks out from a World Cup on home soil.
The Brave Blossoms’ ascent comes after a 34-20 Pacific Nations Cup win over the USA in Suva and leaves Rugby World Cup Pool A as one of the two pools containing three top 10-ranked nations.
Joe Schmidt’s Ireland will open their campaign against seventh-ranked Scotland before taking on the hosts six days later in Shizuoka.
Jamie Joseph’s men set the platform for victory through their set-piece before latterly showing their ability to score from deep with a second try from Michael Leitch the highlight of their four-try win.
Other big movers in the rankings are England, who take over in fourth place behind Ireland despite South Africa’s Rugby Championship success thanks to a win in Argentina.
Japan’s win over the US was good news for Conor O’Shea’s Italy as the Azzurri displaced the Eagles in 13th place.
