Israel's 26-19 victory against Slovenia in the play-off to decide Round one of Europe's Rugby World Cup qualifying has assured them of promotion in the European Nations Cup and at least one more outing on the road to New Zealand 2011.
The victory against the higher-ranked Slovenians came in Israel's first live televised rugby match and also assured them of their highest ever position of 79th in the IRB World Rankings. Slovenia fell three places from 58th to 61st.
- RWC QUALIFYING RESULTS TO DATE >>
Israel now line up on 23 May against Lithuania in Round 2 after the Lithuanians beat Armenia away to finish top of Division 3A.
Higher up the European pecking order, Ukraine won their ENC Division 2 match against Moldova 32-0.
The division is also part of World Cup qualifying and the win moves the Ukraine top of Division 2A, while they also climb one place to 30th in the world list. The Moldovans go fourth in the league and fall two places to 38th.
Korea edge Hong Kong in Asia
In Asia, Korea and Kazakhstan recorded victories on the third match day of the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5, which also doubles as World Cup qualifying.
Korea's narrow 36-34 home win against Hong Kong affected neither side's World Ranking - Korea remain 24th and Hong Kong 32nd - and Kazakhstan's 22-19 away victory against Singapore did not change their position of 29th but moved the Singaporeans down one place to 50th.
The IRB World Rankings are published every Monday at 12:00 noon, UK time
