Adam Byrnes, the Sydney-born lock forward playing for Russia at the Rugby World Cup, told RIA Novosti on Monday he is desperate to play against his countrymen next month.
Russia’s fourth and final match at their debut World Cup is against the Wallabies in Nelson on Saturday. After three convincing defeats, the Bears are rock bottom of Pool C and playing for pride, and Byrnes is aching to be a part of the action against familiar faces.
“I really can’t wait for this match,” Byrnes told RIA Novosti. “I really want to go out onto the pitch against my compatriots. I would love to face opponents I know so well,” he said. “It will be strange to play them.”
Byrnes, who plays his club rugby for the Melbourne Rebels, came on as a replacement in Russia’s 13-6 defeat to the United States and started in the subsequent losses to Italy 53-17 and Ireland 62-12.
Byrnes qualifies for Russia through his mother, who was born in the Soviet Union but emigrated to Australia as a child with her parents and sister after World War II.
He stressed this competition is about negotiating the steep learning curve for the inexperienced Bears rather than challenging the sport’s heavyweights.
“I think that at the next World Cup the Russian team will be playing good rugby,” Byrnes said.
Saturday’s match may have no effect on Russia’s qualification chances, but is crucial for Australia, who are in a three-way tussle with leaders Ireland and third-place Italy for one of the Pool’s two automatic qualifying berths.
