WORLD CUP VETERAN: Fly-half Danut Dumbrava will equal the Romania record of playing in four Rugby World Cups against France
LONDON, 21 Sept - Japan's amazing 34-32 win against South Africa has given Tier 2 countries grounds for optimism at Rugby World Cup 2015.
Romania coach Lynn Howells (WAL) and his experienced team begin their Pool D campaign against France at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
There is an extra edge to the tournament with qualification for RWC 2019 on the agenda, another reason for Romania to do well against Les Bleus.
“It (Japan's victory over South Africa) was a great result for the Tier 2 nations and for the game of rugby," Howells said at a team announcement media conference at the Grange Wellington Hotel, London, on Monday.
"I think it’s definitely scared the bigger teams to not take us or any of the smaller nations too easy. Butin terms of our preparation it has not changed our approach to this match."
Romania's starting line-up will have 648 test appearances between them, the most experienced World Cup XV in their history.
Tight-head prop Paulica Ion and fly-half Danut Dumbrava will equal the Romania record (held by RWC 2011 head coach Romeo Gontineac) of playing in four World Cups while Ovidiu Tonita could join them if he comes off the bench. Even so, Howell admits he faced a selection dilemma.
“It’s been hard to tell those that are not in the squad,” the Welshman said. “The back line has pretty much picked itself with the experience they have, the forwards however have given me more of a headache.”
The Oaks have never beaten their opponents in a World Cup and captain Mihai Macovei is looking to team support to give them that extra edge.
He said: “Our biggest strength is the unity of the team, this is what is going to help us in the big games. I don’t think many teams have that here.”
RNS sec/js/svw
