Russia were beaten by Italy in their World Cup warm-up fixture at San Benedetto del Tronto last weekend, predictably enough, though it appears there may have been a little more to the Azzurri’s one-sided victory than met the eye.
The home team ran in 13 tries to two on the way to an 85-15 win over their third-tier opponents. In their last encounter, at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, Italy prevailed 53-17.
Russia only qualified for this year’s World Cup in Japan by default, after Romania and Spain were both disqualified from the qualifiers for breaches of the eligibility laws. The Bears actually finished fourth in last year’s European Nations Cup.
A 70-point loss to the Six Nations wooden-spooners will have nonetheless raised a few eyebrows. Just a couple of months ago, Russia defeated both Argentina B and Namibia at the Nations Cup in Uruguay, finishing runner-up to the host.
So what happened in San Benedetto? Primarily, it seems, a lack of thorough preparation. Russia’s solitary fixture before departure was a 40-0 romp against a local club selection in Moscow.
They had been invited to Krasnoyarsk, in the heart of Siberia, to play a team made up of the nation’s two most powerful clubs. This would have provided sterner opposition, while also tying in with celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of rugby’s foundation in the city.
But a five-hour flight east a week before heading to Italy was not on the national team’s agenda. Meanwhile, a further warm-up match has been arranged against second-tier British club, Jersey Reds, in Moscow on August 27. Russian head coach Lyn Jones, a former Wales international, has a son playing for Jersey.
Italy thrashed Russia in a World Cup warm-up match last week. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There have been rumours of a developing rift between the capital and Krasnoyarsk, with claims the latter’s players are being restricted by a quota system at national age-grade level. Meanwhile, Europe’s second-tier club competition, the Continental Shield, appears to have fallen by the wayside, with no fixtures announced for the coming season.
Enisei collected their third title in 2018, defeating Germany’s Heidelberger in the final. The year before they had overcome cross-town rivals Krasny Yar 36-8 at the Murrayfield Complex in Scotland. Thus they progressed to the European Championship, receiving invaluable experience against professional teams from first-tier nations.
Further rumours suggest the Russian pair may look east rather than west in search of an alternative competition – or perhaps even south. Krasnoyarsk could be a perfect fit for Rapid Rugby, either individually or as a combined team.
The vast distances involved would appear to be an obstacle. Krasnoyarsk, a city of a million, lies due north of Mongolia, 10,000 kilometres from Perth. But that wouldn’t be an awful lot further than Western Europe for the Siberians, while the Force are no strangers to extensive travel requirements themselves.
Of course, there is also the question of whether the Russian clubs would be up to standard. There are over 300 clubs and a professional first division attracting foreign imports, notably from South Africa. But to keep things in perspective, the nation’s 22,000 registered players from a population of 145 million gives the game a popularity rating similar to Taiwan’s and Morocco’s per capita.
Rugby was actually introduced to Russia before football, in the 1880s, but struggled to gain a firm foothold due to police clamp downs and political upheavals. It is believed to have been outlawed for a time under Soviet rule, though one player who made an impression abroad was Prince Alexander Obolensky – scorer of two tries in a famous victory over the All Blacks in 1936!
Official competition resumed in the late 1950s, though the Soviet national team did not take the field until the mid-1970s, when they trounced Czechoslovakia 28-0 in Leningrad (now St Petersburg). By the end of the decade, they had earned promotion to the FIRA first division (the precursor to the European Nations Cup), and debuted with a win over Italy.
Indeed, the USSR would vie with the Azzurri for third place in the competition behind the French XV and Romania.
The Soviets were to have been invited to the first World Cup but had made it clear they were unwilling to attend due to South Africa’s presence on the international administrative committee during the Apartheid era. In 1991, they also declined to participate in qualifying.
The Soviets toured both Australia and New Zealand shortly before the state’s dissolution, however, and made quite an impression. In 1990 they won their first two games on a six-match tour of Australia, which ended on a bizarre note when an Australian TV viewer’s complaint about the visiting players went all the way to the Kremlin, resulting in suspensions!
A year later they travelled to New Zealand and won precisely half of their eight matches, including one against King Country, then competing in the national first division. Though they were beaten 56-6 by the New Zealand XV in Hamilton, local pundits rated the tourists a better side than the Romanian squad that toured around the same time and lost 60-30 to New Zealand Emerging Players.
From North
Roar Rookie
I will try to answer. 1. Russians do not need Forest money. The main goal of the Enisei and the Krasny Yar to find good rivals. This season will be the last for the Enisei in the European Challenge Cup. And the championship of Russia is rather weak. 2. The climate. Yes, in March it’s risky to play in Krasnoyarsk. But there are two new stadiums with a warm field. Avangard and Central. Therefore, you can start playing matches in Krasnoyarsk in late March or early April without risk. for this it is enough in the first 2-3 rounds to send the Enisei and Krasny Yar on a tour to the south. 3. The distance. This situation has changed just recently. Krasnoyarsk airport has become an Asian hub for Aeroflot. Its task is to become a transfer point between Europe and Asia. From January 2020, the first direct flights from the Krasnoyarsk to cities of China and Southeast Asia will be launched. To Hong Kong will be 100%. This means that Krasnoyarsk will be in Tokyo’s accessibility for the rest of the exploration teams. 4. Money. Given the fall of the ruble twice. For foreign teams, living in Russia will be much cheaper than in Japan, Australia and other Asian countries. 5. The interests of the parties. The Moscow leadership of RUR wants to make clubs from Moscow the strongest in Russia. But Krasnoyarsk is stopping them. Therefore, they come up with various unsportsmanlike ways to weaken the Siberian competitors. They want to transfer the league structure in Russia to the winter version as in Europe. This is unacceptable for Krasnoyarsk. Forest has an interest in finding two teams of a good level, which he lacks for a full-fledged tournament of 8 teams in 2020. Enisei and Krasny Yar are not paper tigers, but real clubs with history and traditions that exist. They are absolutely self-sufficient. The interests of Forest and Krasnoyarsk clubs coincide. 6. Business. Russia maximally opens Siberia and the Far East to the Asia-Pacific region. Just a week ago, at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin, Abe, and the Malaysian prime minister spoke about rugby. Rugby could potentially become a link between Russia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. For example, Krasnoyarsk has had good relations with Japan Rugby for several years. Enisei participates in the Sanix World Junior Tournament. Last year, Japanese juniors came to Krasnoyarsk. And in September, the SFU team will play in Japan at the World Cup among students.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
I can't agree with the comment that: Krasnoyarsk could be a perfect fit for Rapid Rugby, either individually or as a combined team. The 2 Krasnoyarsk teams are keen to find competitors who are prepared to address their geographic location. On a blog elsewhere I wrote back in April: "Krasnoyarsk is the capital of the region with a population of >1 Million. It is located in the magnificent Yenisei River and as it is only about 450m above sea level has a milder climate than most of Siberia. It is a prosperous city due to the large Aluminium Industry. It is located on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Although milder it is still very cold for all but 4-5 months of the year (May - Sep). March average temps are ~0 deg C to -10 deg C. April +8 to -3. May +17 to +5. June +22 to +10. It's not a good fit with Asia/Pacific during the period March to June. I was fortunate enough to have spent 2 years in Russia prior to the GFC. Our regional office was located in Krasnoyarsk. There is no doubt that Krasnoyarsk is the home of good rugby in Russia. I've stood in the snow and watched games on grassless pitches. However, IMO, to include Krasnoyarsk in the initial stages of GRR is impractical. Much like Argentina, Krasnoyarsk doesn't fit well with any other competition. It's a better fit with Northern Hemi competitions. Krasnoyarsk is 1 hour behind Perth. Total travel time from Perth to Krasnoyarsk is about 20 hours (at best). Even gaining Tourist Visas can be a slow process/hassle and it is difficult to travel cheaply. The easiest way is with an organised tour group. The Russians will be only too happy to take your $$s. Krasnoyarsk teams may fit into one of the expansions for GRR (but probably not the 1st or 2nd) and could eventually be part of a Northern Conference in our time zone. I'd certainly be interested in a Conference winners playoff in Krasnoyarsk between a Krasnoyarsk team and the Western Force. "
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
That's about right. Last nights 22-35 to second tier British club Jersey Reds was a new low for the Bears.
Puff
Guest
IW, interesting article on many different levels. Russia is a very big country with many diverse cultures that cover a number of time zones that all have winter sports reflecting their environment. Contact sport like rugby has never received much publicity but with the right encouragement, momentum could quickly attract the public’s attention. I have watched 15’s been played there and it’s definitely a fledgling fringe sport with a hard core following of passionate supporters. Unlike 7’s, unless the code receives more political backing, financing and acknowledgement it will remain in the winter wilderness.
From North
Roar Rookie
Great article! With a deep understanding and immersion in the subject of Russian rugby. :rugby:
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Dios mio! Mexico just beat Paraguay! Took the lead with a late penalty then sealed it with a try on full time. This was the Americas Challenge opener in Colombia. Host nation meets the Cayman Islands next . . .
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Thanks. Means a lot.
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Thanks for that information, Anibal.
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
Dear IW, as was reported by local media, Jags XV will remain 2 years in Currie cup 1st division. After that, both parts, SARU and UAR, will exam the results and the conditions for Jags XV, in order to keep them in the 1st division, being able to promotion if they win comp in the 3rd year, or take them out.
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Just watched Leinster defeat Canada 35-38 with a last-minute try in Hamilton after the North Americans had come from 0-19 down to lead 35 - 24 without about 10 minutes remaining. Joe Tomane stood out at centre for the visitors. Good workout anyway, but Canada are going to struggle to win a game at the RWC. Even Namibia will fancy their chances of a first ever win...
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Zimbabwe beat Uganda 32-26 in Harare today to lay one hand on the Victoria Cup. They are unbeaten after 4 games, and another win in their penultimate encounter, against winless debutants Zambia next month, will clinch it. Kenya, meanwhile, defeated Zambia 31-16 today. Elsewhere, Argentina's Jaguares development XV won their Currie Cup 1st division semi-final 37-27 over Valke in Potchefstroom. Apparently they are not eligible for promotion to the premier division, however. Namibia, meanwhile, thumped a Sharks invitational XV 43-0 in Durban. They will play the Kings in two encounters next week as a World Cup warm-up. The Kings are also due to play Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday.
Tutema
Roar Rookie
Great piece as always Wingo!!!
Roween Queen
Guest
Can Russia win the RWC? Possibly, but probably not.
Winnie the Pooh (Emperor of China)
Guest
You are supposed to drink vodka after you play, not before and during playing.
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Oceania Cup: Niue with first win over the Solomons in 3 attempts, 19-17. PNG hammering debutantes Nauru 53-0 right now. Update: PNG beat Nauru 89-5 with 14 Wesley Vali collecting 6 tries. Nauru had the last say, however, driving over for a consolation try.
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Canada have struggled ever since the advent of professionalism. But now they have a team in MLR (North American pro rugby) things may begin to change.
Lscanesfan
Roar Rookie
Great article Wingman, it's so easy to get pre-occupied with the top tier nations that you forget Rugby is played and loved in a lot of other countries. Also interesting to hear about the difficulties involved in the large countries with travel etc. Incidentally, what on earth has happened to Canada? They used to be an emerging power.
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Agreed. Main interest there will be whether Namibia can finally get a win at the tournament when they face the struggling Canadians...
Phaeton
Guest
Hi Wingman. The heaviest defeats in the pool sections at the RWC will be in Pool B. Namibia and Canada will face 60 point deficits against the ABs and the Boks. It's good that the minnows can make the Cup, but unfortunate that these two teams low ranked teams will provide such poor opposition.