It's been dubbed rugby's Cold War grudge match - a showdown of two superpowers where the hits will be harder than any inflicted during the chilly 45-year standoff.

Russia will face the USA Eagles tonight in New Plymouth, watched by a host of international celebrities including Prime Minister Putin's right-hand man.

The game between two World Cup "minnows" re-ignited the old flame of rivalry among the two countries and set both players, locals and fans into a state of nervous excitement.

"We're under no illusions, they're going to come after us," said USA assistant coach Dave Hodges.

"But it's more about the rugby side versus the cold war side. Our guys are pretty young and it's something they've read in school but didn't really experience."

The Russian captain, Vladislav Korshunov, a giant, fair-haired bear of a man who could easily pass for a wrestler, said the team was just trying to focus on the match ahead.

"It's not about politics, for us it's just the game. It's all about victory," he said via a translator.

The Russians have plenty to be nervous about.

Today's match will be their Rugby World Cup debut, made on the same day as the launch of their official Sevens 2013 campaign as host nation.

It will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Zhukov, Putin's deputy, as well as the head of Russia's rugby board.

But most nerve-wrackingly for the players, perhaps, the game will also play host to Miss Russia, a dark-haired beauty named Natalia Gantimurova who is due to jet in to New Plymouth today on the arm of billionaire vodka baron Roustam Tariko.

As for the Americans, their New Zealand Ambassador David Huebner will make an appearance, alongside the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band.

Prime Minster John Key will also attend the match.

Despite the pressure, long-haired, tanned, blue-eyed Eagles captain Todd Clever seemed relaxed at the final press conference yesterday, recalling his last test against Russia.

"They're a physical side. They have some speed on the wings they've got a couple of guys with good boots. The pack is obviously big and physical," he said.

"We match well against them. We're looking forward to it."

The USA team certainly have plenty of support in the city ahead of the match, with fans confident the Eagles would rise to victory after their loss to Ireland at the weekend.

"USA will win and it will not make stupid mistakes," Mike Thor, from Oregon, said.

"They're good tacklers but they should be on defence on the time. Take advantage and attack attack attack."

The game begins at 7.30pm tonight, at Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth.