The Overwhelming Case For Progression

Maybe it's a trait of the critic. A almost instinctive urge to argue, or - more precisely - to try and offer a rational alternative to a previously one-sided debate. Maybe it's just me being cantankerous. Who knows?

It would seem that some people are simply not content unless they can find fault in something, and - true to form - the knives are out for the Rugby World Cup.

Not important, not competitive enough, too predictable, too many 'nothing' games. It would seem that our annual feast of Rugby is drawing fire from an almost constant stream of lazy, misinformed members of the press, eager to position themselves in the 'Anti-Progress' camp.

It is difficult to know what is expected of a tournament which is still essentially in it's infancy. Indeed, in relation to most other sports, the amateur game is still fresh in the memory. In little over 10 years, the entire landscape of the sport has changed drastically.

Whilst it would be unfair to say that the professional era has had a negative effect on the growth of the game, the gap between the haves and have-nots is now more pronounced than ever.

For some, the answer is simple. A two-tier competition. Split the elite nations from the rest. More competition across the International game, more winnable games, theoretically, it's a viable plan.

However, to partition the International game in such a way would do irreparable damage to the overall growth of the game.

To deny the emerging Nations the chance to compete on the big stage is simply wrong. Rather than increasing competitiveness, it will simply serve to stifle it.

Sportsmen of any level thrive on the big games. For proof, simply watch how the Namibian and Portuguese sides - supposed World Cup 'no hopers' - raised their games against the Irish and Scots respectively. Both sides offered hope to both the IRB and the watching millions. There is a beating heart beyond the big-guns of the game.

Inclusion - rather than exclusion - has to be the order of the day. Strong foundations are more important than a quick fix. Growth takes time, but careful planning can bear fruit.

The USA will soon be able to boast a professional competition. Such an exciting development is testament to perseverance, and would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. When you consider the potential player-pool at their disposal, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Eagles could firmly establish themselves as a top tier Nation at the next World Cup.

The utopian dream of a completely level playing field is obviously never going to materialize, however, the nightmare scenario of a game that is dead in the water is even further from reality. As Rugby continues to draw attention, and a new generation of fans Worldwide, the future growth of the game is assured.

Ignore the nay-sayers. We are in the midst of an incredibly successful World Cup. Big crowds, big exposure, and ultimately big money. It is imperative that such giant strides are used as a starting point for continued progression.