Part of the package in modern global sporting events is the slew of feel-good corporate speak aimed at pumping up fan interest. The Rugby Wold Cup is no different. Indeed, one of the selling features of this edition, which was trotted out repetitively throughout the built up, was that this would be the most competitive ever, thanks to the shrinking gap in talent between the so-called Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations.
Whether the marketing department at World Rugby really believed what they were selling, surprisingly, it turns out that they were right. After the first weekend of fixtures, it is safe to say that this has been the most unpredictable start to a Rugby World Cup ever, thanks, in part to Georgia’s defeat of Tonga, but mostly as a result of Japan’s miraculous win over the mighty South Africa.
Romania vs France: An Opportunity For Another Upset?
All of which brings us to Romania, who you can bet were galvanized by watching their Tier 2 brethren pull off stunning results. With the Oaks preparing to start their World Cup campaign in a Pool D showdown against France tomorrow night, they are surely thinking “Why not us?”.
Indeed, why not? Is this not the perfect opportunity for another upset?
For one thing, France have named an entirely second-string first XV to face the Romanians. Sure, les Bleus have huge depth and talent in their 31-man group, and even an entire squad of their reserves will make for a fearsome opponent. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the playing field for Romania will be at least fractionally closer to level.
Also playing into Romania’s hands, as always, will be their outstanding scrummaging ability. The French are no slouches in this area of the game, but here again, the French decision to go with an all-reserve side could give the Oaks an advantage, particularly in regard to team cohesiveness – never a bad thing at scrum time. Look out for a huge battle between the front rows in particular, where Romanian loosehead Miahi Lazar, who is regarded amongst the world’s best, will pack down against Uini Atonio, the New Zealand-born Frenchman, who may be the largest tighthead of all time at 6 ft 6 inches (1.98m) tall, and 340 lbs (155kg).
As always, the Romanian backs will be viewed as huge underdogs when compared to their French counterparts, and for good reason. There is talent in Romania’s backline, with slick fullback Catalin Fercu and exciting Tongan import Paula Kinikinilau both possessing the ability to make things happen with ball in hand. However, Oaks’ head coach Lynn Howells has admitted that his game plan is all about sticking to the strength of his team. In other words, forward power will be the order of the day, in preference to spreading the ball wide. Still, if Romania stay within striking distance on the scoreboard—a possibility, given the reliable goal-kicking of international veteran Florin Vlaicu—there is some unheralded x-factor in their backline which could make the difference at a critical moment.
One potential hurdle beyond Romania’s control is the tendency for Tier 2 nations to get the short end of the stick from referees at World Cups. Though this imbalance is often perceived as elitism, the truth is that the RWC is often the only time that Tier 1 referees encounter Tier 2 players. With so few matches between Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries, there is no opportunity for someone like Jaco Peyper, who will be officiating on Wednesday, to forge a working relationship with the likes of Oaks’ captain Mihai Macovei.
All told, it remains highly unlikely that Romania will rise up and topple the French tomorrow night. But the Oaks’ sheer power in the forwards will give them a fighting chance, and given the way RWC 2015 is shaping up, there will be at least far more curiosity than normal around this matchup.
FRANCE: Brice Dulin, Sofiane Guitoune, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Noa Nakaitaci, Remi Tales, Morgan Parra; Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Yannick Nyanga, Aleandre Flanquart, Bernard Le Roux, Uini Antonio, Dimitri Szarzewski (captain), Vincent Debaty.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Eddy Ben Arous, Nicolas Mas, Yoann Maestri, Damien Chouly, Rory Kockott, Freddy Michalak, Mathieu Bastareaud.
ROMANIA: Catalin Fercu, Madalin Lemnaru, Paula Kinikinilau, Florin Vlaicu, Adrian Apostol, Danut Dumbrava, Florin Surugiu; Mihai Macovei (captain), Viorel Lucaci, Valentin Ursache, Johan van Heerden, Valentin Poparlan, Paulica Ion, Otar Turashvili, Mihaita Lazar.
Reserves: Andrei Radoi, Andrei Ursache, Horatiu Pungea, Ovidiu Tonita, Stelian Burcea, Valentin Calafeteanu, Ionut Botezatu, Csaba Gal.
Main Photo
