Russia's Jones: US match all about first-phase possession
Russia technical director Kingsley Jones believes the Bears can emerge victorious from their first ever World Cup finals match – if they can secure set-piece possession against the United States in New Plymouth.
Thursday’s Pool C clash has been dubbed ’the clash of the superpowers’ due to the political rivalry between the nations, but the reality is that this contest may prove Russia’s only chance of leaving the tournament with a win to their name as their pool is also populated by heavyweights Italy, Ireland and Australia.
While the USA got their tournament under way with a creditable 22-10 defeat against the Irish, this will be Russia’s first taste of the global showpiece, with deputy prime minister Alexander Zhukov set to be in attendance.
Despite the pressure of the occasion Russia have a number of experienced players such as Northampton wing Vasily Artemyev, scrum-half Alexander Shakirov and captain Vladislav Korshunovto to call upon.
But former Sale boss and Wales international Jones knows his side’s hopes rest on the need for first-phase possession.
“This is the best team to challenge the USA,” he told the tournament website. “At the start for us, it’s about primary possession. We believe we can play rugby and we can cause problems for the opposition team, but without the ball, that is going to be difficult.”
USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan, meanwhile, is confident his side will be able to cope with the quick turnaround from Sunday’s fixture against his former charges.
The former Connacht boss has made three changes with Saracens full-back Chris Wyles, hooker Chris Biller and prop Mate Moeakiola coming into the side.
“It is a quick turnaround to Thursday’s game and we have made minimal changes to the team. We need to build on the momentum we created in the Ireland game and prepare ourselves for an extremely tough test with the Russians,” he told the USA Rugby website.
“With the short turnaround we cannot do much physical work, but that doesn’t prevent us from preparing mentally to face a Russian team that has targeted the Eagles as their RWC scalp.”
Biarritz flyer Takudzwa Ngwenya retains his wing spot and his battle with Artemyev promises to be an exciting tussle.
