Brendan Gallagher charts the tortuous route of Russia’s RWC qualification

Russian qualified: Anton Rudoy. Centre: Coach Lyn Jones. Right: Romania’s Sione Faka’osilea

THERE have been some odd journeys in World Cup history but probably none stranger than Russia this year and how they ended up playing Japan in the opening game of this year’s tournament this Friday.
There are many layers to this yarn that need to be carefully unwrapped like a Russian Doll.
John Le Carre would be in his element so we will take it slowly, step by step or should that be steppe by s...