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Russia closed in on a back-to-back World Cup qualification as repechage winners in a tensely fought match against Uruguay in Krasnoyarsk on Saturday.
The Bears overtook their South American rivals on the IRB World Rankings, rising to 19th place.
From what I saw, the two sides couldn’t have been any more dissimilar in playing styles. They were different in almost every facet.
The Uruguayans dominated the scrums throughout, perhaps taking pointers from their neighbours, Argentina, in that department. Their old-school style of playing the percentages, matched with resolute defence, was almost enough to see them through as victors.
Russia, on the other hand, are all about the ball-in-hand, retain possession at all costs philosophy. If their backs were supremely physical and full of running, their forwards were way behind their opponents in that department.
Although the Russians almost relentlessly released their big centre Dimitri Gerasimovto and winger Mikhail Babaev on the resolute Uruguayan defence, it took most of the first half, and multiple phases, before prop Grigory Tsnobiladze was sent crashing over for their first try.
The Uruguayans missed the perfect opportunity to take the lead after an Alberto Román fumble left at least two Uruguayans with a straight run-in to the try line. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the ball was not fed to them. A golden opportunity missed.
Russia’s sole try seemed to be the difference in the end, the remaining points coming from the impressive place kicking of Russian flyhalf Yury Kushnarev and opposite number Felipe Berchesi.
I worry for the Russians in the away leg. There is no doubting their spirited performance in the previous World Cup nor their ability to play with enterprise. But consistency is a must for Russia’s game to move forward, and a repeat World Cup attendance is surely crucial to their development.
Unfortunately, if they fail to improve their scrum, I fear they may be in trouble. Based on their performance this weekend, I doubt the Uruguayans will be easily beaten at home.
The daunting task of playing the mighty All Blacks awaits the repechage winner in next year’s rugby World Cup. If Russia go through, will their scrum, which was demolished by Uruguay, be able to hold up against tier one nations?
If Uruguay go through, will they be able to retain enough possession to avoid being run ragged by opposition of higher quality?
Only time will tell.
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.