Romania, who have named an unchanged team to face Ireland in tomorrow's World Cup clash at Lansdowne Road, have criticised their hosts for not fielding a full-strength side in the final Pool E game.
At yesterday's press conference the Romanian management didn't waste too much time with platitudes about their opponents, preferring to be more forthright in their views. Technical director and assistant coach New Zealander John Phillips asserted: "I am surprised by Ireland's selection. I've heard it said how important it was for all players in the Irish squad to experience World Cup rugby.
"But tomorrow's a game that must be won and therefore I think it is right to play your strongest side. I'd hate to think they would underestimate us."
When asked whether he believed that to be the case, Phillips replied: "I'm not sure. It's a strange selection when you consider that Ireland showed their hand in the opening two matches in terms of their strongest side. I mean when you look at the situation Ireland are in, they need to win. To make nine changes is . . . surprising."
The New Zealander said that Ireland might be looking to Lens (the quarter-final play-off) a little prematurely. "I prefer to jump the hurdle in front of me, not the one that's two ahead. This is a must-win situation and they could get beaten by us. As far as looking at the points differential is concerned that really might have more relevance to Ireland than us."
Keeping faith with the team that secured a narrow 27-25 victory over the USA in their last match, Romania made no changes to the replacements panel either as they attempt to build upon their hard-fought success.
They find themselves in a similar position to Ireland, in that they have both won one of their two matches to date, victory and defeat common against the USA and Australia respectively. The Romanians are aware that victory tomorrow night would guarantee them a place in the quarter-final play-offs, so they will be well motivated.
Their second row captain Tudor Constantin simply said: "We play for a win." When asked of Ireland's strengths, Constantin didn't need too many pages of foolscap paper. "The Irish scrum is very strong."
The Romanians spent extra time at Dr Hickey Park yesterday working on their scrummaging, an area they view as crucial.
Coach Mircea Paraschiv, a veteran of 58 Tests as a player and 11 years captaining the national side, conceded that the squad had drawn heart from Romania's performance in a World Cup qualifying match at Lansdowne Road last November, when Ireland prevailed 53-35. "That match has given us belief but tomorrow's game is very different. I think that the Irish team will be very motivated."
Away from the grind of training and match action, the Romanians are enjoying their time in Ireland and according to Phillips very undemanding. "They are the most contented bunch I have ever been away with. There's no pressure to get tennis courts, or organise golf courses or tenpin bowling; well I suppose they don't know anything about golf anyway."
The laughter from the foyer of the Glenview Hotel and the smiling faces confirm that last statement. Romania appear mentally relaxed: Ireland will be able to offer a physical evaluation come 7.0 tomorrow night.
Emile Ntamack saw his wishes become reality yesterday when he was chosen to play centre in front of his home Toulouse crowd in Saturday's eagerly awaited Pool C match against Fiji. Ntamack will partner Richard Dourthe in place of the injured Stephane Glas. Christophe Dominici is recalled on the left wing.
"We need speed and power in defence to beat the Fijians," said French general manager Jo Maso. "With Glas being absent there was no reason to answer negatively to Ntamack's wishes."
Romania: M Vioreanu; C Sauan, G Brezoianu, R Gontineac, G Solomie; R Vusec, P Mitu; R Mavrodin, P Balan, C Stan; T Constantin (capt), T Brinza; A Petrache, C Draguceanu, E Septar. Replacements: M Iacob, I Tofan, R Fugigi, F Corodeanu, D Chiriac, D Dima, L Rotaru.
