Romania pick strong side
Romania have made 11 changes to the weakened team they put in the field against England for Wednesday’s 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B in Palmerston North against neighbours Georgia, in one of rugby’s big rivalries.
One of the changes will see the return to the starting XV of their captain Marius Tincu, Perpignan’s charismatic hooker, who will be playing his 50th Test for the Oaks.
In the backs there are five changes.
In come Iulian Dumitras, Csaba Gal, Tiberius Dimofte, Madalin Lemnzru and Florin Surugiu who is a scrumhalf for the injured Mihai Sir.
In the pack only Ovidiu Tonita and lock Cristian Petre survive and the mighty Tonita, also of Perpignan, moves from No.8 to flank. In come Daniel Carop, who is at No.8, Mihai Macovei, strong Valentin Ursache, and a new front trow of Paulica Ion, Tincu and Mahaita Lazar.
This is back to the team that played (and lost 34-24) against Scotland with only Sirbu missing.
Romania: 15 Iulian Dumitras, 14 Stefan Ciuntu, 13 Csaba Gal, 12 Tiberius Dimofte, 11 Madalin Lemnaru, 10 Danut Dumbrava, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Daniel Carpo, 7 Ovidiu Tonita, 6 Mihai Macovei, 5 Cristian Petre, 4 Valentin Ursache, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Marius Tincu (captain), 1 Mihaita Lazar.
Replacements: 16 Bogdan Suman, 17 Silviu Florea, 18 Valentin Poparlan, 19 Daniel Ianus, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Constantin Gheara, 22 Florin Vlaicu.
Date: Wednesday, September 28
Kick-off: 19.30 (06.30 GMT)
Venue: Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
