Rugby:Eddie O'Sullivan's USA ensured there was no fairytale World Cup debut for Russia as the Eagles edged an enthralling encounter, 13-6. The Russians, the 25th team to take part in the World Cup, showed plenty of promise but they just couldn't cut through their fellow minnows.
They tackled brilliantly, counter-rucked and showed some attacking intent in the backs with their limited possession. However Russia struggled in the set-piece, particularly in the lineout, against the more experienced Americans, who had beaten them in the Churchill Cup Bowl game in June.
Yury Kushnarev and Konstantin Rachkov kicked a penalty apiece for the Bears, with Chris Wyles responding with eight points for America and scrumhalf Mike Petri scoring the only try. A lightning start for the Russians saw them take a 3-0 lead after two minutes when Kushnarev posted a penalty; they were unlucky not to get a try.
Petri’s kick was charged down by Denis Antonov and Russians streamed forward with good charges from Artem Fatakhov and Ivan Prishchepenko but the USA were able to kill the ball. Kushnarev was just short with a long-range effort six minutes later and the USA were able to level through the boot of Wyles.
And it was the Eagles who scored the only try with Wyles, Roland Suniula and Andrew Suniula combining before Petri applied the finish. Wyles added the extras but was wayward with two penalty attempts as the Americans failed to convert a concerted spell of pressure in the Russia 22 into points.
The USA were keen to press home their advantage, but they were met constantly by a solid Russian wall. The latter had their moments in attack after the break, with Vladimir Ostroushko underlining his potential with one mazy run. That seemed to give the Bears a lift, but Kushnarev’s attempt to cut the deficit with a penalty went just wide.
And the Eagles responded well and almost put the game out of sight when Andrew Suniula broke through a number of tackles but he was hauled down desperately short. Wyles also missed another shot at goal, with the ball rebounding back off the post, while a drop goal effort on the hour-mark sailed wide.
Wyles, though, eventually opened up a 10-point gap when he landed a penalty from in front of the posts. Kushnarev missed with another penalty opportunity, while the pack failed to take advantage of two lineouts deep into the American 22.
Rachkov cut the deficit with a penalty with three minutes left to set up a grandstand finish. And the Russia fans were on their feet when Victor Gresev broke away down the wing, but the cover came across - with the Americans holding firm.
