05.03 Crunch Clash Looms for Russia’s Rugby World Cup Hopes

SOCHI, March 5 (R-Sport) – Russia are fighting to avoid rugby obscurity again, just over three years after stunning the international game by appearing in their first World Cup.

The Bears face Portugal in Sochi on Saturday in a match that could make or break their hopes of qualifying for the 2015 World Cup in England.

A win secures Russia a place in a playoff match for a trip to the sport's biggest competition. Defeat will leave them needing to beat a physical Belgian team on March 15.

“I expect a home victory. We need to win this game,” Russia’s Welsh coach Kingsley Jones, who led the team at their first World Cup in 2011, told R-Sport.

“It’s probably the most important game for Russia in a long, long time. Everyone understands how important it is for Russia to be in the Rugby World Cup, the biggest stage for rugby union, and to compete against the best teams in the world. This game is vital.”