Belgium reach new high in rugby world rankings

Belgium were crowned Cup of Nations champions after beating 2011 winners Hong Kong 24-12 in Dubai on Friday, reports Boxscore World Sportswire. The victory also means they climb to a new high of 21st in the IRB world rankings, above Uruguay and Portugal and to within just over a point of Russia in 20th. With all four sides due to begin their quest to qualify for the 2015 World Cup next year, the second Cup of Nations took on added significance with Belgium, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates all eager to end the year on a high. Belgium and Hong Kong set up their title decider after brushing aside the other teams in the round robin format, and the Europeans came out of the blocks strongly in the first and second halves to score early tries, with Thomas de Molder opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Hong Kong kept in touch with three penalties from fly-half Christopher McAdam, but one from fullback Alan Williams – who had contributed 44 points in Belgium’s 94-3 rout of UAE on day one – sent Belgium in 10-9 up at the break. The defending champions had finished the first half strongly but were stung when Belgium scrum-half Sebastien Guns went over after just three minutes. Williams added a further three penalties to secure the title for Belgium as they prepare to face Georgia, Romania, Russia, Portugal and Spain in the European Nations Cup Division 1A next year. “I think we played some good rugby. We have good team spirit now, it feels great,” said Belgium captain Andrew Neill.

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