Russian Men Claim Student Games Rugby Sevens Gold

© RIA Novosti . Vitaliy Belousov / Go to the mediabankRussian Men Claim Student Games Rugby Sevens Gold
Russian Men Claim Student Games Rugby Sevens Gold - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Russia capped their dominating run through the men's rugby sevens tournament at the World University Games on Wednesday, eclipsing France 29-19 for the gold medal.

KAZAN, July 17 (R-Sport) - Russia capped their dominating run through the men's rugby sevens tournament at the World University Games on Wednesday, eclipsing France 29-19 for the gold medal.

As a searing midday sun gave way to ominous storm clouds at Kazan's Tulpar Stadium, the Russians held off a 14-12 second-half charge by the French, who had got into the final after a 33-12 thrashing of Britain in the semifinals.

The triumph builds upon an admirable victory in the third-tier Bowl competition by Russia's senior team at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, won by New Zealand, in Moscow last month.

The 27th Universiade, which concludes later in the day, is the first time rugby sevens has appeared at a major international sporting competition as it prepares for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Russian fly-half Ramil Gaysin scored two tries and two conversion goals while Remy Bouet had one try and one conversion goal for France, who won the silver medal.

Bouet's try came in the final two minutes of the second half, with Russia leading 29-12. He chipped the ball past a gaggle of Russian backs, recovering possession along the right flank before scooting over the line.

Russia's gold was unsurprising as they outscored their opponents 184-19 over five matches heading into the final. Their lone challenge came in the semifinal against South Africa, whom they beat 17-14 on Tuesday.

In the game prior, Russia's women beat Italy 30-10 for the gold medal.

"Italy are rightly ranked second," Russia's women's head coach Pavel Baranovsky told R-Sport. "They're better than other teams. I'm just thankful that the girls have completed the task assigned to them this year."

The Canadian women claimed bronze with a 36-0 bludgeoning of Britain.

Britain found some consolation in the men's bronze-medal game after striking down South Africa 31-14.

Russia has won four medals on Wednesday, bringing their Universiade total to a gargantuan 289.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала