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Write it down: September 15, 2011. Two major world nations and old rivals, the United States and Russia, will go head to head in rugby.
The “war” will resume at Taranaki Stadium in New Zealand, likely to be in front of 30,000 fans in attendance.
Few would have predicted years ago, that we would see these two countries fight it out on rugby’s grandest stage, with millions of people around the world watching.
The United States is currently ranked 17th in the IRB world rankings with 88,851 registered players.
Notable players available for them are American-born and raised, former super rugby player Todd Clever, French top-14 players Takudzwa Ngwenya, Kevin Swiryn, Seta Tuilevuka and Scott Lavala.
Russia is ranked 19th and has 14,519 registered players. Their preliminary 50-man squad to take to New Zealand includes Adam Byrnes, the Rebels super rugby player and Vasily Artimiev who plays for Northampton in the Aviva premiership in England.
It has been reported recently by Russian team manager, Nikolay Nerush, that there has been a “spate” of injuries to first-line players and so this could hurt their chances for a victory.
The most recent results between these rivals was a 39-22 home victory and 32-25 win for the United States on neutral ground, so we could be in for some interesting rugby come September.
It is fantastic to watch nations outside the traditional rugby base of Europe and Oceania compete on a huge occasion and a huge worldwide audience.
Hopefully, this time around there will be no holding back in battle, waiting for the opposition to strike.
When the dust has settled, will it be the day of the eagle? Or the day of the bear? Either way, it will be a day for world rugby.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.