infonews.co.nz
INDEX
RUGBY

New father Gresev has Italy in his sights

Tuesday 20 September 2011, 1:56AM

By Rugby World Cup 2011

324 views

Russia's Victor Gresev has plenty to play for against Italy
Russia's Victor Gresev has plenty to play for against Italy Credit: Rugby World Cup 2011

NELSON

Russia number 8 Victor Gresev, who became a father two days ago, is aiming for a victory over Italy at Trafalgar Park on Tuesday to convey his long-distance congratulations to his wife and newly born daughter.

“I don’t know how to deal with my new-father status,” the 25-year-old said.

“Certainly, I feel very happy, but I wish so much to see my family to realise better what has happened.

“It was night time in Blenheim when my wife called me saying that the childbirth was going to start soon. As you can imagine, I could not get asleep for the whole night.”

This happy event happened just two days after Gresev’s - and his country’s - debut at the Rugby World Cup. He came on as a replacement in the 13-6 loss to USA, but made himself conspicuous enough to be named in the starting XV for the Pool C match against Italy.

“New Zealand is the most distant place I have ever been to. It is really weird that a few of the greatest events in my life have coincided at the time when I am that far from my home in Russia,” Gresev said.

Extra emotions

“All my thoughts are with my family right now, but I wouldn’t say that they distract me much from my performance at the World Cup.

“On the contrary, it gives me extra emotions. I should definitely double my efforts since I will play for my whole family and especially for its new member.”

The smiling number 8 is channeling his fresh energy to a clear goal in the match against Italy.

“We have not come here just to play. We have a great desire to overcome Italy, however difficult it might be," he said.

“If we show our true level, we will be able to beat them. We don’t need to adapt the way we play that much. We should simply avoid our own mistakes.”