Canada's rugby team is preparing for the biggest test of their rugby careers. The result versus Japan tonight will determine a great deal of futures in the Canadian rugby world.
A loss to the higher ranked Japanese would leave Canada at the foot of the Pool A table. That's the same disappointing position Canada held in the last disastrous World Cup campaign in France four years ago. Such is the cruelty of top level international sport, as this team has won a thrilling game against Tonga - unlike the 2007 team that only managed a tie against Japan.
There would be some of the harsher critics who would question the direction of the national men's program. Issues raised would include: the lack of exposure for the domestic players to the top level of professional play and whether the growing resources are being utilized to the fullest by Kieran Crowley and his team.
The reality is comparisons of this team to the 2007 team are completely inaccurate and spurious. The spirit and class this team has displayed has been exemplary. They have restored a work ethic and respect to the jersey. They are affable and proud. This matters! And in my books is it also a great foundation for maximizing your potential when you are representing a whole nation.
I had the privilege of addressing the current team alongside other former Rugby World Cup captains Mark Wyatt and Al Charron. We were asked to share a few thoughts from our various RWC campaigns over the years. I respect both these men immensely. Their ability, as Canadians to break down barriers in the rugby world was an inspiration to me and my teammates over the years but it was also critical to getting Canadian rugby to new thresholds just like we find tonight. Mark set world records, got pro contracts in Europe and led Canada to a RWC quarter final while Al got selected to world XV's, scored huge tries on the biggest of stages and was generally feared and respected by all his international opponents.
The theme that came from all three of us in our meeting with the team was to prepare to seize the moment when it comes. For me Rugby World Cups are a series of moments within a campaign. Against France we faltered at the key moments. Al talked about the X-Factor. This was everywhere in the victory over Tonga. Individuals like DTH Van der Merve and Adam Kleebrger brought the X-Factor. They produced the unexpected in the highest pressure situations. They owned the key moments.
When Mark's team made the quarter-final in 1991 his team was loaded with individuals who stepped up and dominated their opposite numbers. When enough players do that you have the foundation for success and upsets on the international rugby stage.
A victory over Japan tonight will depend on current members of Pat Riordan's squad taking the same, no-nonsense approach and dealing with the very dangerous Japanese team facing them.
Everyone is aware of the possibilities opened up by a positive result tonight. Automatic RWC Qualification for 2015 in England, increased funding from all sources and opportunities to get back to the major stadiums of Europe through inclusion again in the fall test match schedule.
As the team sits quietly and nervously in their hotel rooms awaiting kick-off, they know they will be judged tonight on the outcome. That is their reality. I have every confidence that they will play in a manner that makes Canadians proud. If they also bring the X-Factor they too will be breaking down barriers and they will be making their own massive contribution to the future of Rugby in Canada.
Go get 'em boys!
Three days after a hard hit that left him unconscious on the field, Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo was studying film with his fellow quarterbacks on Monday.
