Nothing is Created nor Destroyed...

...It is merely moved (transformed) from one being (team) to another. This phrase, we all know and it supports Einsteins 'Theory of Relativity' but us 'rugby jocks' may never have paid much attention to that stuff, I know I never did. It has now hit me like a 115kg centre on a crash ball.

The IRB have been trying to get the smaller nations to be more competitive for some time now. Sports lovers have seen it for years, the minnows of the sporting world getting destroyed at World Cup time whether its Rugby, Football (soccer) or Cricket. We question why they are there and will it ever move away from being an absolute HIDING?

I see an awesome turn around in rugby as the likes of Japan, Russia, USA who have been on the wrong end of a beating many times, start getting more competitive and challenging.

Japan having played in a number of World Cups have been the most noticeable as the All Blacks have been the puppeteers in the games they have played together. However, watching the Brave Blossoms this tournament has been amazing. John Kirwan as coach has brought something to the team and it is clear to see. Yes, they do have a few 'imports' but it is expected and I look forward to seeing them in the years to come.
The USA have definitely moved out of the minnow status and are now hovering in the 'close to important' area on the World Ranking with some big names that have played SupeRugby and in Europe. the Future is bright for them and if they can bring in more crazy NFL dropouts and teach them the basics of our beautiful game then they will be golden in the years to come.
Russia, now this is has been a nice surprise package. They are big and strong, clearly don't feel pain and if you were ever going to be nuts enough to play a winter sport in a place that freezes over, then crazy fits into your Bio too.
In their first ever IRB RWC game they played the USA and I was extremely impressed at how technically correct they were at the breakdown, on attack and defence. the only thing they seemed to lack was a little bit of individual brilliance and inspiration to ignite their big outside backs.

The only thing these 'second tier' teams lack are the ability to stay at it for 80+ minutes and all their opposition knows that they will get the better of them from minute 60 on wards. The more pro players that are involved the better and that comes with time and money. I am confident that the next World Cup will produce some more upsets and great emerging teams.