The last time Ireland played Russia they ran in nine tries, in the 2011 World Cup pool stages in Rotorua.
And, while Tier 2 defences and conditioning have improved, a much-changed Ireland line-up in Kobe today will aim to begin the recovery from last Saturday's set-back against Japan with another big victory against the minnows.
How much that result in Shizuoka only five days ago has affected Ireland's confidence and belief system remains to be seen.
Russia, for their part, want to keep Ireland's defence busy themselves - perhaps hoping to sow seeds of doubt after less than a week of soul-searching by Joe Schmidt, his management team and the players.
"The main task for this match is to score as many tries as possible," said Russia's assistant coach Alexander Voytov.
"Because teams who play against Tier 1 nations at this tournament don’t score many tries. We aim to show an open play in attack and to score some tries.
"We should play at our maximum, and even if this maximum is not enough for the whole game, we will give all our energy until the end. I think the guys are ready to get pleasure from this match."
Schmidt has spoken about the need for his team, with Jean Kleyn, John Ryan and newly-arrived Jordi Murphy seeing their first action of the tournament, to show discipline after losing the penalty count against Scotland and the hosts so far.
But Russia's centre Igor Galinovsky, preparing for his first World Cup debut, promises that the minnows will shake things up after their defeats to Japan and Samoa.
"I expect many emotions from this game, we prepare seriously for it as a whole team," said Galinovsky. "It won’t be an (easy) walk for Ireland."
Victor Gresev is a survivor from the 2011 encounter, which Ireland led 36-0 at half-time and conceded two second half tries before running out 62-12 victors.
Johnny Sexton came off the bench while Rob Kearney and Keith Earls both scored tries for a team skippered by current Leinster head coach Leo Cullen.
"It was a tough game, we tried to do as much as we could," recalled Gresev.
"In all games, we try to do the same, including at this World Cup. We want to show everybody that Russia can play rugby.
"Russia plays against such top teams once in eight years - as it actually happened - and everyone should get this invaluable experience against one of the best teams in the world.
"We will attempt to score tries and points and to make their life as difficult as possible".
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