Romania became the twentieth, and final qualifier for the seventh edition of the Rugby World Cup when they defeated Uruguay in the final qualifier for the 2011 RWC. The proud nation have qualified for every tournament, since the first was held back in 1987. That year the Romanians came away with a victory over Zimbabwe, and a loss to France and Scotland. This time they have been drawn against England, Argentina, Georgia, and once again, Scotland.
The road to the Rugby World Cup was not an easy one for the European outfit, after placing third in the European Nations Cup (the top two automatically gaining a place in New Zealand), Romania faced the Ukraine in a play-off series. This decided which team would go through to face Uruguay for the last spot at the World Cup.
The Ukrainians were no match for the sleek Romanians and lost 94-10 on aggregate, in the first leg against Uruguay in Montevideo, the teams had battled to a 21 all draw. But in the return leg Romania dominated the South Americans, winning 39-12 in-front of a sold out Stadional National de Rugby.
The southern city of Invercargill will host the side known as the Tall Oaks. It will also host Romania’s opening match against Scotland, and second match against Argentina. Next is a short flight to Dunedin, where they play in the brand new stadium there against England. The Tall Oaks then travel to Palmerston North, and face European Nations Cup rivals Georgia, this clash is bound to be a classic, both teams will give their all. The forward battle in particular, will be worth the price of admission alone and it will be the Romanians best chance of picking up a win.
Romania will be led on the field by Marius Tincu, hooker Tincu currently plays for Perpignan in France, and has 36 caps to his name since debuting in 2002. With him in the pack, is Romania’s star player Ovidia Tonita, Tonita is a class act, and can play at number eight and flanker. He was part of the squad for the 1999 World Cup when he was just 19 years old.
Prediction – Romania have been eliminated at the pool stage in the previous six World Cup’s. And with all respect, I do not see that changing this time around. Coach Romeo Gontineac will have his men fired up, expect some big tackles and a lot of heart, but that will not be enough against the big boys, fifth place in pool B for Romania.