Romania RWC Preview
By Tigersfan 1
July 26 2011
I recall when Romania were thought of as a possible rising power of rugby, perhaps expected to challenge alongside the Pacific Islands, Italy and a couple of others to make the breakthrough to the next level and occasionally give the establishment a run for it’s money, or even a bloody nose.
In recent years they seem to have gone back, among the also-rans. But have they actually ever been away? Not really. They have qualified for every world cup so far, and only once – in 1995, in a group along with Australia, South Africa and Canada – have they failed to win a game. A few countries would love to have that record, and indeed, their qualification this time round reflects their standing in the rankings – a solid 18th, in battle with the likes of Russia, Portugal and the Jacques Burger-charged Namibia.
Fair to say, then, Romania haven’t sunk without trace to the depths forever plumbed by, say, Germany or Holland, but just shy of the levels now reached consistently by the Islanders, Wales and others. They do travel to New Zealand with a smattering of impressive performers though. Marius Tincu is well known to Tigers fans as a feisty hooker playing for Perpignan in the Heineken Cup – he is also his country’s all-time top RWC try-scorer with three - and they are led by their giant lock of a captain, Sorin Socol, a veteran of the 2003 and 2007 tournaments and 10 years a player for the likes of Brive and Pau in the Top 14. No little passion and support either for the men in yellow, their second leg final qualifier for RWC 11 in Bucharest against Uruguay, after a tense 21-21 draw in Montevideo, was played in front of a sell-out crowd as they won through 39-12 to proudly claim the 20th and last available place at the top table of world rugby.
Last season the Romanians won 6 and drew 1 of their 9 games in the European Nations Cup, the second tier event behind the 6 Nations. All the signs suggest then, under-estimate them at your peril. I can’t see England getting anything other than a comfortable win but others could be in for a rude awakening if they take them lightly. A shame for the Romanians that they fall foul of the minnows’ ruling, ie they get little help from the schedulers and have to play Georgia, their best hope of a win, just 4 days after taking on England, which they will regard as their flagship game when they can play in front of their biggest audience both live and on TV. And also me, as I will be at the game too!! Meanwhile their fellow Eastern European opponents will come off the back of a 10 day break after themselves facing England.
I predict they will give a good account of themselves and be competitive in one or two games. Could they shock the Jocks? I doubt it but stranger things have happened! Unfortunately I expect them to go home empty-handed in terms of any wins, unless they overcome the schedulers and beat the hardy Georgians. I will however look forward to seeing them play live for the first time, and to meeting up and taking refreshment with their travelling fans. Noroc!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:08:16:14:49:27 by TigerChick.
Good article and I also expect Romania to come last as Georgia look a very handy outfit at the moment.
A good and informative read.
Once upon a time The Oaks were a military team and able to compete as a vanity project for Ceausescu. That they have, as a small nation, maintained themselves in the top 20 is admirable given their post revolutionary collapse. I rather hope that they can return to their former ranks - it will indicate that the game is growing. Over to the IRB...ah...right...yes...well...
Good point on the scheduling...would that be down to the IRB again...
Quote:- nice!the Islanders, Wales and others
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:08:03:10:55:59 by Rich W.
Didn't realise they had been a military team - or that they were called the Oaks. With this input and Stopsy's comments we will soon have a proper article!
Sorin Socol - don't know I haven't seen their squad but I would expect him to be there if not injured?