The Russian national rugby team beat South Canterbury province 31-7 on Friday to finish an unbeaten two-match tour aimed at preparing for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and October.

Eugene Matveev scored two tries, Igor Galinovskiy and Mikhail Babaev added one each and Russia were awarded a penalty try in a convincing win over a side playing in New Zealand's second-tier provincial competition.

Russia beat first-division Taranaki 31-24 last week.

The Russians are due to make their first appearance at a World Cup this year and will play in Pool C beside Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States.

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