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Russia have qualified for the Rugby World Cup!
A thrilling 21-21 draw with rivals Romania on Saturday means that, despite the season not yet being finished, they cannot be caught by either Portugal or Romania. Georgia, who currently top the table by a single point, have also qualified.
Russia 21 – 21 Romania
The game itself was a nerve-wracking one. Russia launched out of the gates like a team on a mission, and quickly roared into a commanding lead – two tries by centre Alexander Gvozdovsky, plus a conversion and two penalties from fly half Yuri Kushnarev left Russia 18-3 ahead at the interval, and looking set to run away with the game.
But Russia’s good form was not to continue. Perhaps nervous at the prospect of their first trip to the World Cup Finals, or perhaps simply outplayed by a Romanian team that knew they were fighting for their own last chance at qualification, they were comprehensively outplayed by the visitors in the second half, who fought back to level the scores just minutes before the end of the match.
In the weekend’s other matches, Georgia defeated a surprisingly strong Spain team 17-9 in Tblisi to book their place to New Zealand, and Portugal handed out a 69-0 thumping to Germany to keep them well placed for the third place spot, and a playoff for world cup qualification.
Although there are two rounds of matches left to play, it looks increasingly likely that Georgia will slot into Pool B, one of the toughest World Cup groups containing Argentina, England, Scotland and another (not yet decided) qualifier, and Russia will join Pool B to set up an intriguing tie with the United States as well as matches against Australia, Ireland and Italy.
Picture courtesy of the Russian Rugby Federation.
Matt Harris
Great to see Russia there. In fact great to see any country entering the Rugby world and doing well – best thing for the game. Oh great blog BTW and look forward to the next one
Fair play to Russia, a great achievement especially putting Romania out. Its good to see new nations qualifying.
However I fear for them at the tournament. They will likely end up on the receiving end of severe hidings from Australia, Ireland and Italy and I cant see them getting past the Yanks, who gave England a hard game at the last World Cup. It’ll be a great experience for them though in New Zealand and they full deserve their place.