The latest Rugby League International Federation world rankings have been released, with Australia stretching their lead over New Zealand following the Kangaroos’ ANZAC Test triumph in Canberra.
Tonga’s convincing win over Samoa on the same weekend sees the Pacific Islanders move up two places, breaking into the top 10 and overtaking the USA and Scotland. The two European Shield matches in May have allowed Russia and Serbia to close the gap on Italy, with Russia poised to move ahead of the 14th-placed Italians should they win in Padova on June 29.
Germany’s victory over the Netherlands sees them move from 20th to 19th place, while Netherlands enters the rankings system for the first time.