I have been reading with great interest much of the debate regarding the merits of certain players’ potential selections in the 2010 Wallabies squad.

One thing is certain: for the first time in many years, selections will be tough, not because selectors will be trying to find suitable players to fill a spot, but because they will be trying to decide on the best permutations and combinations from a number of quality provincial players in almost every position.

It seems that quality inside backs, outside backs, back-rowers, front-rowers and locks, at least at the Super 14 level, are throwing their hats into the selection ring on a weekly basis.

Testament to this is that three Australian sides are in the hunt for the finals (with a fourth “set to wreck” with players finally crawling back from injury) after 8 rounds of the competition.

Is this suddenly found depth an illusion? Is it luck?

Is it great quality coaching at a provincial level? Have the stars finally aligned?

The question I ask is: “What can it be?”

I submit that we are finally starting to see the rewards of the additional Super 14 Australian province and the opportunities created for aspiring players.

It is now time to come clean as a Western Force supporter and explain the fact that the Force and ARU should feel some vindication after years of ranting and raving by notable Eastern Seaboard rugby commentators about the damage done to the Waratahs, Brumbies and Reds (GM) upon the introduction of the Force.

I ask:
- would Genia have had an opportunity so early with the back-log of journeymen halfbacks amongst three provinces?
- would Pocock, Brown, Hodgson, Higginbotham, Alcock and co. be developing as bustling backrowers or plying their trade overseas?
- Would Cowan, Robinson, Polota-nau, Faingaa, Tyrrell be packing down against the world’s best or getting the odd ten minutes at the end of a game depending upon injuries?

I could go on, but I think the picture has been sketched.

Despite some short term pain, Australian Rugby is beginning to get the gain. Whilst the Rebels will shake things up again, and there is obviously more work to be done at a Club level, for the first time in years, I have more to add than just a mumbled agreement when my Kiwi mates talk Smith’s, Ranger, Gere, Dagg, and so on.

Over the next year or so, look for Robbie to create a Wallaby culture aspiring to “World’s Best” rather than “Australia’s Best”.

Time to get excited.