Russia believe they can win their opening match on their rugby World Cup debut with coach Nikolai Nerush saying their inclusion is a big boost for a set-up which receives "peanuts".
A struggle to find talent has led to eligibility problems in the past but with two players now at English clubs and a Melbourne Rebels lock with Russian ancestry, the fledgling rugby nation is targeting victory over United States in New Plymouth on September the 15th.
Russia then face Italy, Ireland and Australia in Pool C.
Nerush says his side are heading to New Zealand with a simple goal in mind -- hoping to win one match.
However it won't be easy with the U.S. triumphing 39-22 over the Russian's at the recent Churchill Cup in England.
