The United States' greater experience of playing at a higher level made the difference as kickers endured a miserable night in soggy conditions.
US full-back Chris Wyles slotted eight points with the boot through two penalties and a conversion of scrum half Mike Petri's try, but he missed another three penalties and a drop goal.
Russia flyhalf Yury Kushnarev notched his country's first World Cup points, though he too missed three penalties before centre Konstantin Rachkov took over to slot a late penalty.Yury Kushnarev kicked a penalty goal in the third minute to score Russia’s first points, but the Americans rallied to take a 10-3 halftime lead. Heavy rain drenched the Taranaki Stadium in the second half, restricting scoring to one penalty goal apiece.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” U.S. captain Todd Clever said. “I’m proud of the boys for sticking through.“We made it tough for ourselves, but the crowd helped get us through that one.”Clever, whose side had a short turnaround after losing to Ireland on Sunday, said: "I was very nervous. They are a tough team and they are improving, every time we play them they are getting better and better. I am just so proud of the guys that we were able to finish that.
"It's an awesome feeling (to win). I am proud of the boys for sticking through. We made it tough on ourselves but the crowd got us through. Mentally we were there but physically we were a little slow off the cuff, but we have a break before our next game so hopefully we can be back to 100 per cent."
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