Russian rugby captain proud of team’s effort against Ireland

KOBE Russia captain Vasily Artemyev said he was incredibly proud of how hard his side pushed his “step-motherland” of Ireland on Thursday in another brave World Cup loss he hoped would inspire rugby fans at home.

Artemyev moved to Ireland at the age of 15 and in his seven years studying there became one of the top junior players of his generation at the same famous Dublin rugby school that produced former Ireland captain Brian O’driscoll.

Ireland won 35-0 but a resolute Russian side made them wait an hour to secure a highly-expected bonus point.

“For me personally, it’s great. It’s my step-motherland. When we’re not playing Ireland, I support the boys in green and just playing against them, seeing some familiar faces it’s great,” said Artemyev, who played against Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls and Rob Kearney in his teens. “After tonight’s performance we can definitely have our heads held high.”

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, whose team is ranked 16 places ahead of Russia — a chasm in world rugby — said the Russians had “certainly got a bit to offer” and gave up nothing defensively.

Meanwhile, Fiji wanted to make a statement after losing to Australia and Uruguay in their opening two World Cup games, and a seven-try thrashing of Georgia was just the way to do it, coach John Mckee said on Thursday.

The Pacific islanders had been criticized after last week’s shock loss to Uruguay. However, with their fleet-footed backs in full flight, the Fijians scythed through Georgia at will in a stunning second half performance to score a 45-10 win at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

“Very pleased with the performance of the flying Fijians today,” Mckee said. “Very pleasing to see us finally show some of our flair and talent at this World Cup.”