Canada aiming for continental shift

For Japan, Rugby World Cup 2011 was one of expectation. They aimed to record their first RWC win for 20 years and earn Asia a second spot for 2015.

But the union with the sixth largest number of players must wait another four years for the chance to return to the winners list.

After defeats by France, New Zealand and Tonga, the Brave Blossoms managed a 23-23 draw with Canada and will have to slog through the regional qualifying process to reach the next RWC in England.

"We wanted to show the world how much Japanese rugby has grown," said John Kirwan, the Japan coach. "The world has stood up and said we play a fantastic style of rugby.

"Rugby at the second tier is a journey. What you see is only the tip of the iceberg. You cannot prepare for World Cup pressure. Competition is how you get better and better."

Asia's 14 member and seven associate unions will continue to grow but the need for more matches against Six Nations and Tri Nations teams seems clear.

Need to be challenged

"We need to keep playing at the next level. We need to play the likes of Scotland and Ireland, teams that will put us under pressure," said former All Black Kirwan.

The Asian 5 Nations has provided valuable regular Test matches and Japan are yet to lose in the competition. Kirwan's team were impressive in the lead-up to RWC 2011, winning the Pacific Nations Cup in July.

The region has become more competitive, with Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Korea getting stronger. Kazakhstan, who lost in the play-offs for the 20th place at RWC 2011 - Romania claimed the spot - have become Asia's second team.

Asia's loss is potentially America's gain as Canada and Argentina look to claim automatic qualifying spots for RWC 2015, a minimum target for Argentina in New Zealand.

Canada are third in Group A behind New Zealand and France, and face the All Blacks on Sunday. On Saturday, Tonga, trailing the Canucks by a point, take on France.
Battle to reach England

"Tonga have to get two points against France. That's something that Canada has never done before so we will be watching that France game very closely," said Canada coach Kieran Crowley.

As unlikely as it sounds for Tonga, scoring four tries and losing by seven or less to France could steal third spot from Canada.

Tonga coach Isitolo Maka knows the threat posed by the French but is pleased his team has had a 10-day turnaround to deal with injuries.

"We just need to make sure that our set piece is strong, our lineout and scrum," said Maka.

"The French scrum is excellent, so we really need our forwards to be strong."

The development of rugby in the Americas, the smallest region in terms of players with fewer than 279,000 players in the north and south associations, is exciting.

Along with Canada and Argentina, there are Uruguay, Chile and Brazil in the top 30 of the IRB World Rankings.

Chile have qualified for the 2012 Junior World Rugby Trophy while Brazil will host a Sevens tournament during the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.