Russia hope physicality can make them party-poopers in Rugby World Cup opener

TOKYO: Russia are determined not to be seen as a side story in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup against Japan on Friday and are hopeful they can use their physical strength to upset the hosts.

Led by Welshman Lyn Jones, the Russians come into the tournament ranked 20th in the world and without a World Cup win in their only previous appearance in 2011.Russia's team members attend a training session. Despite Japan being heavy favourites to start their home World Cup with a win, Russia should be encouraged by their performance in the narrow 32-27 loss to Jamie Joseph’s side when the teams met last year.

Knowing that Japan’s game is built on spreading the ball wide and attacking with dynamism, Russia hope to spoil the party by playing a match based on contact and physical forward play.“Obviously, we are more physical and more aggressive than we were in November,” said assistant coach Alexander Voytov.

“Tomorrow’s match will be very physical and the players will take advantage of their physical strengths of speed and strength, particularly in the scrum and ruck.Russia, who lost their most recent warm-up match 85-15 to Italy, are only in Japan after Romania and Spain were disqualified from European qualification for fielding ineligible players.Russia's team members attend a training session.

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