'You can only be enthusiastic': Romania bring in 'experience' for Bok showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Romania loose forward Andre Gorin will make his World Cup debut this weekend at the age of 35 against holders South Africa, head coach Eugen Apjok announced on Friday.
Flank Gorin, centre Taylor Gontineac and lock Marius Iftimiciuc are the new faces for Sunday’s game in Bordeaux after last weekend’s heavy loss to Ireland.
“After world No.1 team Ireland, then South Africa, second in the world and world champions, you can only be enthusiastic,” Apjok said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us and for our youngsters who will learn,” he added.
After the Springboks, Romania, who are 19th in the world rankings, face Scotland and Tonga in their remaining games in Pool B.
They have never reached the quarterfinals in eight attempts.
Romania: 15 Marius Simionescu, 14 Tevita Manumua, 13 Jason Tomane, 12 Taylor Gontineac, 11 Nicholas Onutu, 10 Hinckley Vaovasa, 9 Gabriel Rupanu, 8 Cristian Chirica (captain), 7 Vlad Neculau, 6 Andre Gorin, 5 Marius Iftimiciuc, 4 Adrian Motoc, 3 Alexandru Gordas, 2 Ovidiu Cojocaru, 1 Iulian Hartig.
Replacements: 16 Robert Irimescu, 17 Alexandru Savin, 18 Thomas Cretu, 19 Stefan Iancu, 20 Damian Stratila, 21 Cristi Bovoc, 22 Alin Conache, 23 Gabriel Pop.
Date: Sunday, September 17
Venue: Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT; 15.00 SAST; 16.00 EEST)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
