Bears want to go out with a roar

Two days ahead of facing Australia in their last match at Rugby World Cup 2011, Russia have chosen the line-up that is close to the optimal composition from their first three pool matches.

“There are quite a few changes to the starting XV after the last match against Ireland. We gave some players a rest and hope they will bring more dynamism when they come back,” Russia head coach Nikolay Nerush said.

“I can’t claim that it is our best possible line-up as the second row Andrey Ostrikov, who got injured just a few days before the opener, is still unable to play.

“However, the centre Alexey Makovetskiy is back from injury, as well as the hooker Vladislav Korshunov. He will replace Valery Tsnobiladze who has been disqualified after the Ireland game.”

The 28-year-old Korshunov, who also returns as the team’s captain, has confirmed his readiness and shared his vision on the way Russia should deal with Australia.

“I feel very well. I had 10 days off after getting an injury in the Italy match, and I was training with medium intensity," he said.

Rotational changes

“We need to feel free when we play Australia, spend more time in attack with no (inferiority) complex in front of the Wallabies.

"Having about 10 attacks in each of the previous two games we have scored two or three tries. When the ball belongs to us we should not give it back easily.”

Another returnee to the starting line-up, prop Ivan Prishchepenko, agrees that, having nothing to lose, Russia must simply show its genuine rugby face.

“We will not appear on the pitch just to watch the Wallabies play but will try to demonstrate what we are capable of as well," he said. "This game can be a step forward on our way to progress.”

The appearance of second row Alexander Voytov, flanker Vyacheslav Grachev and fly half Yury Kushnarev are the other rotational changes.

“Yury Kushnarev is back as fly half because in the first game he did not show his best, so we want to give him another chance. Konstantin Rachkov has started the previous two matches but we are still looking for reinforcement at this position,” Nerush said.

“This is a historic match for us as we have never played Australia at such a level. It will be tough against them but we will try to perform at our best to conclude the World Cup in a positive way.”