Rugby World Cup 2015: Russia beat Uruguay in play-off first-leg

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Russia's Victor Gresev scores a try during their 38-19 Churchill Cup victory over Uruguay in 2010

Russia beat Uruguay in the first leg of their play-off for the final place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Russia, coached by Raphael Saint-Andre - brother of France boss Philippe - had home advantage and won 22-21 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia.

The second leg takes place in Montevideo in Uruguay on October 11.

The play-off winner will take the 20th spot at next year's World Cup and will be in Pool A with Australia, England, Wales and Fiji.

A try from prop Grigory Tsobiladze and a flawless kicking display from fly-half Yuri Kushnarev was enough to get Russia over the line in a keenly-fought first leg.

But Uruguay's powerful pack and seven penalties from the boot of Felipe Berchesi ensured it was close throughout and keeps the South Americans well in contention for the return match.

Uruguay have played at two previous World Cups in 1999 and 2003, while Russia made their debut in 2011.