As we do after every major tournament, we take a look at the state of affairs in each of rugby's leading nations. Next up, the USA.
World Cup ambitions v results: The USA achieved their primary goal heading into the tournament - they beat Russia. The 13-6 victory certainly wasn't pretty but it was full of the heart and hard graft that one would expect from the Eagles.
And that's the manner in which the USA played in all of their games, with a hard working effort against Ireland first up showing that they're no pushovers. The clash against Russia - who had yet to play - followed just four days later, making the win even more of an achievement.
A much-changed, youthful side was dispatched with ease by Australia but it was clear that coach Eddie O'Sullivan had his eye on Italy which once again came after a break of only a handful of days.
A valiant effort was not quite enough to see off the Italians although a 27-10 defeat is certainly not a result to be ashamed of, especially when one considers that despite having all the possession and territory, the Azzurri only claimed their bonus-point score through a penalty try in the 66th minute.
The USA wanted a second win to secure automatic qualification to the next World Cup, but their failure to do so should not see the tournament labelled a disappointment; they were far from that.
The Eagles were impressive in a number of areas but committed too many unforced errors to capatalise on solid build-up play. The line-out was a highlight for O'Sullivan's men, with Hayden Smith and John van der Giessen forming a solid second row combination.
While skipper Todd Clever was as industrious as ever, it was centre Paul Emerick who was the star of the show for the Eagles. The 31-year-old was immense on both attack and defence.
The changing of the guard: The likes of record-breaking prop Mike McDonald are unlikely to make it to the next World Cup, but the majority of the squad should be looking to play on and, with any luck, make it to another World Cup.
Looking into the crystal ball: Key to the Eagles' development going forward will be the retention of O'Sullivan. There are a number of higher profile positions opening up and O'Sullivan may look to throw is hat into the ring for a job in Europe.
Rugby is gaining momentum in the USA and it's clear that the administrators are onto a good thing in terms of their grassroots program 'Rookie Rugby'. While the benefits of such a program are more long term, the growing presence of rugby at school and college will start to reap rewards.
Lock Scott LaValla has landed a contract with Top 14 big guns Stade Français and if more players can get themselves into professional outfits in Europe the knock on effect will be massive.
But it's not only the individuals that are important. O'Sullivan has bemoaned the lack of time that the team have playing together and this will need to be corrected. Regular encounters against top tier teams is also important to upping the standard of USA rugby.
Comments
5Lock4ward says...
APV1, If only it were that simple for folks like you and I!
Posted 15:13 01st November 2011
APV1 says...
@ 5Lock4ward - well that's that sorted. Brilliant!
Remind me again, why aren't we running the world?
Posted 13:39 01st November 2011
5Lock4ward says...
@APV1, I think you're on the right path but I would make a few tweaks. The USA and Canada are too far behind Los Pumas and it would be detrimental to Argentina to be stuck in that tournament. I say that only b/c they have far too many top level professional players to be in a basically amateur event. However a tournament involving the USA, Canada, Uruguay and then some of the 2nd tier European nations such as Georgia, Romania, Russia and Portugal would be immense for all involved. Then the IRB could get Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Japan and Namibia in their own tournament and everyone would be taken care of.
Posted 12:28 01st November 2011
5Lock4ward says...
Milesman1, You make a great point there. I failed to consider the combined RWC bid and the impact it could have. My only fear there would be the IRB not granting it b/c they'd want more domestic interest in the game before awarding it; similar to FIFA and their leeriness to stage the World Cup of soccer in the States. I also agree with your thoughts on 7's over-taking 15's for popularity. That's why I wasn't overjoyed when it was announced that 7's had been accepted into the Olympics.
Posted 01:03 01st November 2011
APV1 says...
I think it's a shame for the US and Canada that Argentina have joined the 4N tournament. (I think it's excellent for Argentina, though!).
I would have preferred an "Americas Championship" or similar, with USA, Canada, Argentina, Uraguay, Chile, and Brazil playing against each other regularly. they're all Top 30, according to the IRB Rankings. Time-zones would be irrelevant and they'd all get some more Test matches in.
Would it dilute the efforts of USA, Canada and Argentina to play the others? Perhaps? So throw in the Saxons and similar and away we go.
Maybe this is something to go with during the Lions Tours...
Posted 15:27 31st October 2011
milesman1 says...
5Lock4ward, you and I seem to agree most of the time, and again this is the case with your comments. I'd only add that a combined bid by the US and Canada for the RWC 2023 would have a major impact as well - although it would have to be a July/Aug slot to avoid the NFL and NCAA games. I think that the continued growth of the Seven's, especially with the money coming for the Olympics will help too. My only concern would be that the Sevens does too well, filling the void, and the full 15 a side flatlines.
Posted 13:20 31st October 2011
5Lock4ward says...
The USA's priorities need to be as follows 1) pro contracts in Europe & the SH for as many players as possible. 2) Getting a pro team in the RDP12 and/or Super Rugby. 3) Getting a better tv contract for the sport in the United States and marketing it the right way. 4) Achieving NCAA sanctioning to recognize rugby as a varsity college sport. 5) Create a legitimate professional league in the United States, perhaps in coordination with Canada. It won't be until all of these things have happened that rugby will be able to attract the higher level American athlete and thus be able to compete with the current national powers. It will also be a big help when the IRB follows through on its' promise to include the US and Canada in the regular test match mix with the big boys.
Posted 12:08 31st October 2011
startledwombat says...
Doesn't matter what the sport is, sports academies and development structures seem to take about twelve years to take effect, ten if you're lucky. So I hope the US sticks with it for the long haul. There remains a cachet of beating the current 15-a-side Olympic gold medal holders - or being seen off by them!
Posted 09:02 31st October 2011