RUSSIA

Captain: Vasily Artemyev

RUSSIA’S presence in Japan has a slightly unreal feel after the controversial events surrounding the European Nations Cup in 2018 which acted as the qualifying tournament last year.
Their late call-up has been a challenge and hiring some genuine coaching expertise was a priority with former Wales flanker Lyn Jones quickly appointed. He turned to his former Ospreys colleague Shaun O’Connor to work with the backs, and fitness guru Mark Bennett.
The latter has been particularly important.
Russia, like many T2 teams, are well short of the fitness...