Cold War Rugby Match-up points to New Rugby World Order.

Cold war Match up points to potential new world order in Rugby. Last nights clash of former foe’s USA & Russia proved to be an interesting match up in a number of different ways. The build up was clearly wrapped in the Cold War theme which pitted the two political powerhouses together for the first time in a Rugby World Cup.

 But whilst most of the commentators where playing out similar cliché lines on television I was looking forward to the game which promised the unknown. Especially in a tournament which thus far has pulled only one major shock result. With Canada stepping up in their opening game of pool A to defeat Tonga by 25 points to 20.

 This was Russia’s first game ever in the Rugby World Cup, and they certainly offered an aspect of the unknown with a squad of unknown players. With Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Byrnes the only recognisable name for most Kiwi’s. Completely the opposite could be said of the USA who came into this game after 17 matches overall in the Rugby World Cup and who many considered favorites in this matchup, especially after a courageous defeat to a under par Ireland by just 12 points last Sunday.

 The match itself was a match up of brute force of the Russian bears matched by the technical skill of the American eagles. The Americans will be pleased with scrappy victory which was played in wet conditions in New Plymouth. The eagles opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a well taken try by Mike Petri. The Russians held out in the first half barrage only conceding a second penalty and going in 10-3 at half time.

 In the second half the Russians threw everything at their American counterparts with poor kicking, and difficult handling conditions the main factors in not denting into the Americans lead. It was only till 15 minutes to go that Chris Wyles kicked a penalty to leave the game in the eagle’s favor, despite a late penalty from Rachkov to cut the deficit to seven points by full time. With a final score left at 13-6 to the eagles

 The Russians can certainly take heart from the result and look to capitalise when they play Italy in Nelson next Tuesday, Northampton Saints new signing Vasily Artemiv certainly looking the lively on the wing. More interestingly I think this result potentially could point to a slight change in World Rugby.

 So far the most impressive ‘minnow’ side has come in the form of the USA who under the leadership of former Ireland boss Eddie O’Sullivan who have won plenty of fans with their first two results at the Rugby World Cup. Recent figures suggest that uptake for rugby in recent years has exploded with a 56% uptake in men since 2004. With growth coming from college and youth rugby, the game which has similarities with American football is slowly gaining a reputation as a viable alternative to one of America’s most popular sports.

 With the Eagles third ever victory in the tournament last night they are certainly winning some fans in New Zealand and the Rugby World. Could this nation be potential winners come World Cup in 2023? We’ll just have to wait and see.