The aspiring Russian team lost to Canada 18-34 late on Wednesday in its first game at the current Churchill Cup rugby tournament.
Russia, which is ranked 19th in the world and will make its World Cup debut this year in New Zealand, offered strong resistance to the Canadians, ranked 15th, in the first half of the game.
However, the Canadian side rallied from an 18-15 halftime deficit and pressured Russia with sustained attacks until the end of the game, exhibiting excellent passing and clever tactics.
Russia will play against Italy in its second game of the tournament on June 12, while Canada will face either England or Tonga in the finals on June 18.
The Churchill Cup is an annual rugby union tournament, held in June, which is contested by teams from Canada, England, the United States, and other three invited teams from a wide array of countries.
This year, the invitees include Russia, Italy and Tonga.
MOSCOW, June 9 (RIA Novosti)