Russia lose to US in Rugby World Cup debut

The United States held off World Cup rookie Russia 13-6 to register its third-ever win at rugby's marquee event.

Russian rugby fans had to wait until seven days into the tournament to watch their team’s first match ever at a World Cup. The debut, however, fell short of expectations as the US team, whose chances of winning were regarded as a bit higher going into the encounter, proved quite simply stronger. Yury Kushnarev kicked a penalty goal in the third minute to score Russia's first points, before scrumhalf Mike Petri crossed for a first-half try and Chris Wyles kicked a conversion and two penalty goals to help the US take a commanding 13-3 lead in this tense match.Heavy rain, which drenched the Taranaki Stadium in the second half, restricted Russia’s scoring ability as they managed to respond with one penalty goal by Konstantin Rachkov.The Russian bears will face a tougher opposition further into the tournament, namely Italy, Ireland and Australia.Also on Thursday it was announced that Russia would host the World Cup Sevens in 2013, just a year out from its Olympic debut.