PARIS — The IRB has invested a large chunk of its income from the previous Rugby World Cup in the development of Tier Two nations, and it seems the efforts have been paying off.
While Japan surprised many with its die-hard attitude and entertaining style of play, it was Fiji that managed to enter the quarterfinals after beating Wales 38-34 in a thrilling game on Sept. 29 at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes.
"We've never been there. It's not only for us, but for our country." — said Fijian head coach Ilivasi Tabua after their shock win against Wales to qualify for the quarterfinals. "It brings rugby to another level."
Tonga also upset the status quo by beating Samoa 19-15 on Sept. 16, staying with South Africa 30-25 on Sept. 22 and playing a tight playoff against England for the quarterfinal spot on Sept. 28.
By the end of the first half against the former world champions, Tonga ran out of steam and lost the game 36-20, however they did not fail to write a new chapter in the rugby history of the tiny island nation of 120,000.
"We didn't have much coming into this tournament," Tongan captain Nili Latu said after their game against England. "People were writing us off. We are going to go back really happy. The tournament has united our people."
"We need help in the Islands." Latu added, regarding the situation of the game in his homeland. "The only time we get to play these guys (Tier One teams) is at the World Cup. We don't get the main ideas of the game because it has moved on and we need to keep up. We are losing our players to overseas teams. We need all the support we can get."
While island nations struggle to put together a national team as most players play for clubs overseas, star game makers such as Wallabies center Lote Tuqiri or All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko are often of Pacific Islands origin. The Japanese national team had three Tongan-born players in its lineup during its current World Cup campaign.
"It is very important that Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to have more games with the Pacific nations," says Tabua, who himself played for the Wallabies as well as for his national side during his player years. "Rather than having to meet them here (at the World Cup), it would be important to have them help our development in moving forward. The Pacific nations need to be in the Super 14 competition so we can develop."
Japan would also benefit from an expanded Super 14 championship. As the infrastructure is already in place with the Japanese Top League, an elite team handpicked from the top domestic teams to compete in an expanded Super 14 that takes place during the Japanese off-season could be a viable option.
While the Japanese side would not be expected to be successful in the short run, backing from the company sponsors behind the Japanese teams could ensure that the tournament benefits from their involvement.
Supporting the participation of Pacific Island nations, who do not have the financial backing, would be very important for the development of the sport in the region.
The World Cup pool stages have ended, and Fiji, Argentina, Tonga and Japan have all written rugby history for their nations.