Malta has moved up seven places in the world rankings following its defeat of Lithuania last Saturday.

Malta made the most of home advantage for their European Nations Cup 2014 Division 2A encounter in Paola to win by a margin that lifted them to a new high of 41st, just two places now behind Lithuania who drop four with defeat.
The six Rugby World Cup 2015 qualifying matches in Europe over the weekend have resulted in 33 positional changes in the latest IRB World Rankings with Malta the biggest climbers after beating the higher ranked Lithuania 34-17.

The victory lifts Malta to the top of Division 2A, ahead of Switzerland on points difference after they also upset a higher ranked team at home, beating Croatia 29-20 at the Stade de Colovray in Nyon.

Switzerland’s win has resulted in a three place elevation to 53rd with Bermuda, Papua New Guinea and Israel all slipping one as a result. Croatia’s first defeat of the new European Nations Cup campaign means they fall three places to 42nd.