Ireland's capacity for blowing favorable positions is well
known to the legion of fans that have followed them around New Zealand and the
talk in the Irish camp this week has been all about not underestimating the
Russians.
Lock Leo Cullen will skipper the side in the absence of Brian
O'Driscoll whose fellow center Gordon D'Arcy as well as blindside flanker
Stephen Ferris and experienced lock Paul O'Connell have also been given Sunday
off.
Prop Cian Healy is the only member of the starting front row
from last week's sensational triumph to retain his place for Ireland's third
Pool C clash.
"Every opportunity you get to go out and play in the
jersey is an honor," Healy told reporters in Rotorua on Saturday. "We
have the utmost respect for Russia. If you put the other team down you are at a
weak point.
"If you go out talking down a side you're going to be
giving away silly tries." Russia have lost both their opening matches at
their first World Cup but, after losing out in a close match to the United
States, managed to score three tries against Italy.
"Once they get that bit of energy, that bit of oxygen
in their game, they were dangerous," said Ireland's assistant coach Les
Kiss.
The Russians have also rested some of the more experienced
players who featured in their first two matches and lost a couple of others to
injury.
"We understand how strong Ireland are," coach
Nikolay Nerush said. "They have become pool leaders unexpectedly after
beating the favorites Australia, so it will be rather difficult for us to face
them.
"Russia and Ireland have different goals in the
competition," he added. "Ireland are aiming at the highest results,
while we are just getting experience. Our task on Sunday is to play
worthily." Ireland's task is to ensure they win with a bonus point for
four tries or more to put them in the strongest possible position for their
final pool match against Italy on Oct. 2.
A green-clad army of Irish fans, supplemented by more than a
few locals, created a superb atmosphere at Eden Park last week and they will be
expected to reprise their supporting role at Rotorua International Stadium on
Sunday.
"It does make a difference," said Healy.
"Seeing vans painted in the tri-color, it's been a bit surreal. People
hanging out of cars, shouting at us. Never thought it would be this big.
"It
has come as a shock how many people have made the trip over. Eden Park was
wild, I imagine here will be too."
