As the curtain prepares to fall on another demanding season of the Youth Rugby Championship, all eyes turn to a clash that promises not just a conclusion, but a fervent declaration of emerging talent. Tomorrow, two of Russia`s most formidable youth rugby outfits, Slava-MAR and VVA-Podmoskovye-m, will lock horns in the final, vying for the coveted title and, perhaps more importantly, bragging rights that resonate deeply within the rugby community.
This isn`t merely a game; it`s an audition, a proving ground where budding careers are forged under the intense pressure of a championship decider. For these young athletes, aged just on the cusp of senior professional play, every tackle, every pass, every strategic decision carries the weight of future aspirations.
The Formidable Lineups: A Glimpse into Tomorrow`s Stars
The strategic chess match begins long before the whistle, in the meticulous crafting of the matchday squads. Coaches, with their encyclopedic knowledge of each player`s strengths and weaknesses, painstakingly assemble their starting XVs and reserve benches. This, one might say, is where the alchemy truly begins – transforming raw potential into a cohesive, winning unit.
Slava-MAR: The Moscow Resolve
Slava-MAR steps onto the field with a roster that speaks of depth and tactical versatility. Led by the experienced hand of Captain Yan Bazhenov at fly-half, the team boasts a formidable pack, anchored by Dmitry Muravyev, Daniil Ryabtsev, and Mikhail Zhukov in the front row, providing the platform for their dynamic play. The back row of Daniil Vyuchenko, Vadim Mochalin, and Dorob Gulov promises relentless work rate and crucial turnovers.
In the backline, the youthful exuberance of Artem Vdovin and Ignatiy Nekrasov on the wings, combined with the steady presence of Ruslan Kontselidze and Daniil Berezovsky in the centers, suggests a blend of pace and power. Daniil Soldatov at fullback provides the crucial last line of defense and attacking impetus. The reserves, including Maxim Chernov and Idris Shogulomov, are poised to inject fresh energy and maintain intensity as the game progresses. One can almost hear the coaches` internal monologue: “Do we hold back the powerhouse, or unleash them early?” A delightful dilemma, surely.
Slava-MAR Starting XV:
- 1. Dmitry Muravyev
- 2. Daniil Ryabtsev
- 3. Mikhail Zhukov
- 4. Filipp Zabolotnev
- 5. Georgy Turov
- 6. Daniil Vyuchenko
- 7. Vadim Mochalin
- 8. Dorob Gulov
- 9. Vladimir Levy
- 10. Yan Bazhenov (C)
- 11. Artem Vdovin
- 12. Ruslan Kontselidze
- 13. Daniil Berezovsky
- 14. Ignatiy Nekrasov
- 15. Daniil Soldatov
Slava-MAR Reserves:
- 19. Maxim Chernov
- 20. Idris Shogulomov
VVA-Podmoskovye-m: The Air Force Academy`s Precision
Opposing them, VVA-Podmoskovye-m brings its own brand of structured aggression and technical prowess. Captain Alexander Sukhanov, marshalling the troops from scrum-half, will be crucial in dictating the tempo. Their front row of Ilya Astaykin, Vyacheslav Chervyakov, and Matvey Shtoporov is expected to provide a robust challenge at the set-piece. The formidable presence of German Krovikov, Dmitry Ogorodnik, and the hard-hitting back-row trio of Timofey Mardikhaev, Igor Gavrilov, and Gennady Mayorov promises a relentless battle for possession.
The backline features the agility of Yegor Zhukovsky and Mikhail Vassin on the flanks, with the powerful combination of Sergey Trishin and Stanislav Shmelev in midfield. Ivan Petrakov at fullback will be tasked with orchestrating counter-attacks and securing the backfield. The strategic depth of their bench, including Dmitry Sidelev and Sergey Lyutikov for the forwards, and Artem Yusupov and Yaroslav Batalov for the backs, ensures that VVA-Podmoskovye-m can adapt and respond to any tactical shifts throughout the match. Coaches, it seems, have perfected the art of “if Plan A doesn`t work, we still have 22 other letters in the alphabet.”
VVA-Podmoskovye-m Starting XV:
- 1. Ilya Astaykin
- 2. Vyacheslav Chervyakov
- 3. Matvey Shtoporov
- 4. German Krovikov
- 5. Dmitry Ogorodnik
- 6. Timofey Mardikhaev
- 7. Igor Gavrilov
- 8. Gennady Mayorov
- 9. Alexander Sukhanov (C)
- 10. Yaroslav Kushnarev
- 11. Yegor Zhukovsky
- 12. Sergey Trishin
- 13. Stanislav Shmelev
- 14. Mikhail Vassin
- 15. Ivan Petrakov
VVA-Podmoskovye-m Reserves:
- 16. Dmitry Sidelev
- 17. Sergey Lyutikov
- 18. Kirill Sobachkin
- 19. Viktor Kuznetsov
- 20. Artur Vanin
- 21. Artem Yusupov
- 22. Stanislav Andreev
- 23. Yaroslav Batalov
The final whistle will not just mark the end of a game, but the beginning of new narratives for these promising athletes. Scheduled for October 13th at 12:00 PM Moscow time, this match is more than a contest for a trophy; it`s a testament to the enduring spirit of rugby and a beacon for the future of the sport in Russia. May the best team, honed by dedication and strategy, emerge victorious. And may we all witness a spectacle worthy of a championship finale.
Percy Harlow