Russia win in Taranaki

[TRF_Cymro]

Russia's World Cup preparations are on track after they beat Taranaki 33-24 in the first of a two-game tour of New Zealand on Saturday.

Russia will make their World Cup debut appearance at the global showpiece later this year in Pool C which also features Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States.

In a game split into three periods of 30 minutes at Clifton Rugby Ground, Russia's Vladimir Ostroushko was first to get on the scoreboard in the first period. He added another try in the second period, as did Alexander Yanyukhkin, to give the visitors a 26-7 lead.

Valery Tsnobiladze added Vasily Artyomev tries in the final period at give Russia a solid win.

Russia will go on to play South Canterbury in Timaru on January 21.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3818_6665834,00.html​

 

[Teh Mite]

I wonder if they were the same players as I saw vs Saints reserves last year (being as it's a tour match). If so, they're bloody good considering the limited resources and player pool they have. Could potentially upset Italy or USA if luck's on their side.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Always good to see Artemiev doing well for himself. The US vs [strike]USSR [/strike]Russia game is going to be massive.

 

[ranger]

The Russians looked very average for an international side. I think they struggled with the heat and fitness more than anything though.
If the referee were treating it like a real rugby match the sinbin would have been full of russians also, their only way of stopping the taranaki backs was killing the ball in the ruck before it got to them