Digging in against a giant scrum machine on the artificial turf is a new routine for the giant forwards of B.C. Bears.

The fast-draining, space-age consistency of Bear Mountain Stadium’s playing surface provides a different dynamic for a group of forwards in a rugby scrum than that of grass.

On Tuesday, Bear Mountain Stadium will host Canada’s first-ever international test on artificial turf, between the Bears and Team Russia. Russia plays Team Canada in Vancouver four days later.

“In scrums on turf, the players have to dig in on a different angle, but because both teams are having to make those adjustments (from playing on grass) it should play out equally,” said Bears manager and longtime Victoria rugby man Hans de Goede.

However, once players are up and running, it’ll be a different story, he said.

“The backs are going to love the fast surface. They’ll be able to run all over the place, turning on sharp angles.”

One of those speedy backs is 19-year-old Connor Braid, an Oak Bay high school graduate.

A regular at fly half with James Bay’s premier team in the Vancouver Island Rugby Union, Braid was running around at fullback during the Bears’ recent practice.

Braid came close to cracking the Bears roster in the summer, for the inaugural America’s Rugby Championship series, but was behind a long list of top Canadian talent.

With the VIRU and Team Canada both active this month, Braid is getting his opportunity to show what he can do at an international level.

“This is a big game and I’d love to get out there,” said Braid.

Russia is ranked 18th in the world by the IRB and will be a formidable opponent for the Bears.

Playing at fullback or as a winger is a job with a little less responsibility, but just as important as his current role with James Bay. Braid admits any spot on the Bears would be good enough for him. The 6-foot-2 redhead has been kicking penalty and conversion attempts for the Bays, making 15 of his first 18 attempts.

Still eligible to play for Canada’s U20 team, Braid said making the Bears would be an excellent achievement, one he’ll make the most of. “I’m ready to go wherever rugby will take me.”

Four Victoria-based players who are currently on tour with Team Canada played for the Bears during the ARC competition. UVic Vikes Nathan Hirayama, Pat Riordan and Sean Duke, and James Bay’s Sean White, may not be in the mix for Tuesday’s game, depending on their health and fitness level, said coach Mike James.

Kickoff for Tuesday’s match is 7 p.m. at Bear Mountain Stadium, in Langford’s new City Centre Park.

Tickets are available through www.cardticketing.com.