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.
Balotelli
Guest
Zimbabwe is were i'm from....Russia actually knocked us out of the World Cup repecharge.. We had to go to Siberia where i hear its freezing cold.. I only wish they could give us a return leg in Harare...
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Probably Tigranes. Very little rugby culture to raise their game to a level capable of making world cup appearances. I'm currently designing Hong Kong Rugby Football Club's fine dining restaurant and champagne bar. A bit of a coincidence!
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
I agree. What a difficult decision considering both sides have done a lot to improve over the years. Dare I say, I'd rather have both of those teams in the WC at the expense of Namibia. By the way, where are you from? You seem very knowledgeable about all this.
Tigranes
Guest
Brendan have Hong Kong ever qualified for a world cup in any sport??? I cant imagine Hong Kong getting behind rugby, the Chinese dont really like the sport and all the expats support their notional teams (England, Australia, NZ, South Africa, etc)
Balotelli
Guest
Bit of a difficult decision to make... I have to agree,i wish both teams could just be part of the World Cup... Russia hosted the 7s World Cup some time ago and they are doing a lot to improve a game.. Uruguay has done a lot of work,they also get to play the Pumas A team so they at least get some game time against a tier 1 nation..Only wish European teams can give Russia such a helping hand... Uruguay played against the likes of Lavanini,Alemano,Baez,Landajo,Chaparo and company... Considering their perfomances in the RC this is a pretty good work out... Missing a WC will be a massive step backwards for the development of the game for both teams
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Oh right. That makes even more sense. I'm actually looking forward to this test now. Almost as much as the AB game ;-)
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Small world indeed!
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Small world. I went to school (many, many years ago) in Amersham.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
I was thinking more that the Russians would see the freezing temperatures as advantageous, not as an excuse, perhaps believing that the Uruguayans might not be used to playing in such conditions.
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Wow. My club plays Chiltern & Amersham and that is a low league for an international to be playing in. You're right on their centres. Obviously 7s rugby has influenced their game but they have miles to go in the 15-a-side game. The transition is not always as seemless it seems.
Lion Down Under
Guest
It was Hilton Mudiraki. Just did a bit of googling and he plays for Chiltern & Amersham in South-West Division 3 in England. He had a real quick, accurate pass and his sniping runs caused Kenya massive problems. Kenya looked as though they expected their centres to score through individual pace, skill and strength so didn't bother with any structure. Zimbabwe took full advantage.
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Good point. It can't be nearly as cold as it will get in a few months.
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
The scrum-half? Can you remember his name? Also, Cronje was at flyhalf right? Kenya really disappointed me in that game. No structure at all, just passion. Zimbabwe dominated them. If you can't beat Zimbabwe then you are probably aren't ready to play in next year's RWC.
Lion Down Under
Guest
Kenya were really poor in that game. No game management and no plan on how to contain Zimbabwe. I think the occasion overwhelmed them unfortunately (Kenya is my second team as I lived there, my youngest kid was born there and the others grew up there). The Zimbabwean scrum-half had an absolute stormer of a game. I'm surprised no pro team have looked at him.
Kevin dustby
Guest
Freezing temperatures are the norm in Russia and people don't use it as an excuse
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Hong Kong have improved a lot. In saying that, the Zimbabweans have as well. They spoilt Kenya's first WC appearance by a few measly points. Oh well. There's always lways 2019.
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
I'm looking forward to seeing the crowd attendance on Saturday. You may be right on the Los Teros call. It's looking good for them!
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
Really good Guru. If Russia had a better scrum, I'd back them to score a few tries against those teams too. Will be very interesting, whoever makes it through.
Brendan Hope
Roar Guru
So half full. That's not bad at all. Thanks for the info Prawn. The game has grown a lot their, especially since rugby was announced as an Olympic sport. I personally hope they get through but the Uruguayans have improved a lot so you never know.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Apparently Rugby is pretty popular in that part of the country, another reason why international games are often played there. They can usually guarantee a crowd. According to Wikipedia (not the best research tool, I know) Krasnoyarsk actually has two professional rugby teams. Not bad for a city of just over 1 million.