Russia women’s sevens coach Pavel Baranovsky is predicting a thrilling finish to the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series as the battle for a top four spot reaches Europe.
While runaway series leaders New Zealand look certain to be on the plane to Rio in 2016 as many as six other teams are in with a shout of securing one of those four qualifying places from the series.
With two rounds to go – in London this weekend at the Twickenham Stoop and Amsterdam on 22-23 May – 12 points is all that separates Canada in second from Russia in seventh.
Russia have put themselves right in the mix with 32 points gained from a possible 40 in North America, reaching the semi-finals in Atlanta in March before going on to play in their first series Cup final in Langford a month later.
“The series has been amazing this year,” said Baranovsky. “All the top seven teams are pretty much on the same level and are capable of beating each other on their day.
"This season we have shown Russia can be competitive on the series and that we are a team that will fight to win every game.
"We’re building our game and getting better tournament by tournament. We don’t have much time together, especially in winter when there is nowhere for us to train, so every game we play in helps to build a better understanding.”
Familiar foes
Baranovsky only has a squad of 20 players to pick from but all his big game players – Canada Sevens Dream Team member Nadezda Kudinova included – are available for this weekend’s inaugural series event in London.
Russia have been drawn alongside two of their rivals for a top four spot – hosts England and Canada – as well as South Africa in Pool B.
Russia have yet to beat Canada in four attempts this series but their record against England makes for better reading with one win, a draw and two narrow defeats. All three games with South Africa have been won comprehensively.
“We seem to have faced South Africa a lot recently. They have good technical skills but a lack of pace seems to be their main problem,” said Baranovsky.
“England are one of the best teams around, they are experienced with a lot of strong and forceful players. We have faced them many times in the last three years and every game is a real battle.
“Canada thoroughly deserve to be in second place. They are very well-disciplined and play the game in the right spirit.
“Realistically we need to win all our pool games, but, you know, we reached the knockout stages in Canada despite only finishing third in our pool. It doesn’t matter how you get there, it’s getting there that matters.”
"Getting to the Olympics would be a big step forward for everyone concerned with women’s rugby in Russia."
A good performance at the Twickenham Stoop - and over the road at Twickenham should they make the third place play-off or Cup final - could put Russia within touching distance of Olympic qualification.
“Getting to the Olympics would be a big step forward for everyone concerned with women’s rugby in Russia,” Baranovskyadmitted.
“As head coach I hope our main sports administrators see us in Rio and the profile that being on such a stage brings. The Olympics is a huge opportunity for rugby.”
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