Russia ‘tired’ but ready for ‘historic’ Ireland test at RWC

Russian rugby coach Nikolai Nerush told RIA Novosti on Friday that his team are physically flagging ahead of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup encounter with Pool C rivals Ireland. “The tiredness can be felt,” Nerush said. “But we are less emotional; there is no more unnecessary commotion,” he added. Russia are understandably struggling to keep up with the pace of the game’s elite at their first-ever World Cup. They were thrashed 53-17 by Italy on Tuesday after a morale-crushing opening defeat to the United States – the one game Russia had realistic chances of winning. The Bears have been forced into nine changes for Sunday’s match after injuries to Alexey Makovetskiy and Vyachelsav Grachev; and with the team captain, hooker Vladislav Korshunov rested. Alexander Yanyushkin, who scored a try against the Italians, takes the captaincy. Russia will feature an all-new front row, and only Australian-born lock Adam Byrnes retains his place in the top five forwards. Nerush also promised a debut for 20-year-old wing Denis Simplikevich.   Nerush said he tried to motivate his side by drumming the significance of the upcoming match with the Irish and their final match against Australia on October 1 into his players. “We have arrived at two historic matches,” Nerush said. “Never in history have the Soviet or Russian teams faced the strongest sides of Ireland and Australia, and I told the guys this today.” Ireland have made 10 changes for the Russia match, naming a weakened lineup ahead of a crucial final Pool C match against Italy. Skipper Brian O’Driscoll, lock Paul O’Connell and centre Gordon D’Arcy are all left out. Australia took the lead in the pool with Friday’s 67-5 thrashing of the United States, but have played a game more than the others.