New Zealand are just 1.1 points away from catching England at the top of the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini following their 34-31 win in the Rugby World Cup 2021 final.
Saturday’s result at Eden Park led to a swing of 5.40 points, with the Red Roses’ rating reduced to 94.29 points and the Black Ferns’ increased to 93.19 points.
Prior to the tournament starting on 8 October, England had a sizeable 7.21-point lead over New Zealand.
In the preceding match, France’s 36-0 victory over Canada in the bronze final puts Les Bleues up to third with Canada dropping to fourth.
The Nogueirão Stadium, in Mogi das Cruzes, was the setting for the first home game in the history of the Brazil women's national team. Unfortunately for the Yaras, they could not cap the occasion with a win.
Colombia's 25-17 win over Brazil not only confirmed their status as the top women's team in South America but also lifted them up a place in the rankings to 26th, with Madagascar the side to drop down.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast's 50-10 win over Burkino Faso in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup led to a four-place gain, moving them up to 41st.