Netherlands soar two places in World Rugby rankings after 70-0 demolition of Samoa

The Netherlands climbed two places in the World Rugby rankings to 15th after a commanding 70-0 victory over Samoa in the WXV Global Series Challenger on Sunday, with Gareth Gilbert’s side crossing the whitewash 12 times at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in Hong Kong.

Wing Kika Mulling was the standout performer, touching down four times to announce herself on the WXV stage in style. Gwen van der Schoot and Linde van der Velden each added a brace as the Oranje produced a ruthless display against Manusina. The result saw the two sides swap positions in the rankings, with Samoa sliding from 15th to 17th.

Elsewhere in Hong Kong, Hong Kong China produced a stunning 29-24 win over Brazil, while Fiji beat Spain 38-32 to open their campaign. Brazil’s last-minute defeat cost them a potential rise to 22nd, and Argentina — Las Leonas — missed the chance to climb to 12th after their loss left Fiji’s ranking position intact.

In the wider weekend of women’s rugby, the Black Ferns preserved their second-place ranking by beating France 28-14 in Lyon. New Zealand had been at risk of dropping behind Canada had they lost by 15 or more points, but Whitney Hansen’s side were never in danger of that outcome. Canada, meanwhile, secured their own third-place standing with a 10-try, 64-26 win over Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

Australia’s Wallaroos, who had impressed in Salford, could not maintain that form against England, losing 48-15 to the Red Roses. The Wallaroos led 10-5 at half-time — a result that would have lifted them to seventh — before England scored seven second-half tries to seal a dominant victory. England’s win came against the nation that will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.