Elgin: Yenisei-STM want to bring Russian Cup back to Krasnoyarsk
Yenisei-STM's Yevgeny Elgin says the club has the drive to win the Russian Cup rugby final against Dynamo in Moscow on 27 September, despite the long trip.
Yevgeny Elgin of Yenisei-STM says the club wants to bring the Russian Cup back to Krasnoyarsk. Yenisei-STM meet Dynamo in the rugby final in Moscow on 27 September.
Yenisei-STM did not play in last season's final. Elgin, a squad veteran, said the return to the final proves the club is progressing.
"Last season was a difficult one," Elgin said. "Now there is both excitement and a huge desire to bring the trophy home. Our fans are waiting for it too."
The travel is a factor. Krasnoyarsk is four hours ahead of Moscow, and Elgin called that noticeable when the body is under peak load. "The flight takes a physical toll, and the usual routine gets thrown off," he said. On arrival day the coaches ease off: a light warm-up, plenty of recovery work, attention to food and sleep. Kick-off is at 4pm Krasnoyarsk time, and he does not expect the change of time zone to affect the team.
Elgin has played in several Russian Cup finals. Experience, he said, helps: "You already know how to behave in certain moments, how to spread your emotions and energy." In his youth a final was pure adrenaline. Now he tries to keep a cool head and guide the younger players.
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