2008 RLWC GROUP 2 QUALIFIER

Ireland notched nine tries as they claimed a comfortable victory over Russia in their opening 2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifier in Moscow. Phil Cantillon, Stuart Littler and Chris Bridge scored two tries each while Gavin Dodd notched a hat-trick.

Valentin Baskakov, Robert Iliassov and Roman Ovchinnikos scored tries for the outclassed home team, who trailed 26-4 at half-time. Assistant-coach Barrie McDermott was a late inclusion in the Ireland line-up.

Pictured: Chris Bridge netted 22 of Ireland's 50 points.