Russians upbeat after beating

Russia found the Australians too hot to handle

Russian coach Evguemi Klebanov watched his side take a severe pounding from Australia on Saturday, but insisted they still had a bright future.

The Bears ended their World Cup campaign with a 110-4 hammering from the tournament favourites in Hull to make it three defeats out of three in Group One.

But Klebanov said the experience had taught them a lot and they were looking forward to promoting the game back at home.

He admitted: "I am happy that for the first time we are playing a team of the standard of Australia. Now we know where to go.

"It is now very important for us to play as many international matches as possible because, as we have shown, we can play well."

Internationals

Russia took up the sport in 1990 when their rugby federation decided to switch from union and are just starting to get back on track after their progress was interrupted by the political uprising of the mid-90s.

They have been particularly grateful for the sprinkling of Australian players who have given them a stronger backbone.

Klebanov said: "We hope that in the near future we will see Russia playing internationals in Moscow and abroad.

"It is important to play in Moscow because we have a good team and it is important for people to see these games.

"I am sure that the game can take off in Russia. We have a very good youth set-up and these Australians we have with us will definitely help us spread the game."