Romania announces 31-man provisional squad for 2011 Rugby World Cup preparations
The Romanian national rugby union team, also known as The Oaks, has announced a provisional 31-man squad for their 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign. The president of the Romanian national rugby union federation, Alin Petrache, announced the squad on Thursday,
July 7.
Speaking on the occasion, Alin Petrache said, “We believe it is a balanced group of players in form that can handle World Cup standards. With this group, we will start preparing for the World Cup six weeks.”
The current Romanian side is nothing much to talk about compared to their former squads which were a very formidable force in the rugby world. Their current ranking in the world and their recent record shows that they have a slim chance of reaching the second
round of the 2011 RWC.
Romania was the last (20th) qualifier of the 2011 RWC and is placed in Pool B, which also includes Argentina, England, Georgia and Scotland. Their main strength is their front row forward pack but they are below average at scrum.
Perpignan's Marius Tincu, Ovidiu Toniţa and Silviu Florea are the only three players who have played for a professional senior rugby union side. The 34-year-old Alex Manta, Bogdan Bălan and Petrisor Toderasc have been left out from the squad.
Providing the details of the team’s pre-World Cup preparations, Alin Petrache confirmed that the squad will participate in a six-week training camp.
After the training camp, they would like to play at least two games. However, besides the Ukraine they are still in search of a second team to play with. Petrache added, “We are in discussions with several teams to organise a second training match right
here in Bucharest. Unfortunately, most are in the pipeline at that time. We will come back with details when we seal a deal for the second match.”
Romania will kick-start their 2011 RWC campaign against Scotland on September 10 at Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill. They will then take on Argentina at the same venue on September 17.
Romania will play their third 2011 RWC game against England on September 24 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. They will play their last pool match against Georgia on September 28 at Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North.
Romanian 31-man provisional squad for 2011 RWC includes:
Props:
Nicolae Nere (Steaua),Mihaita Lazăr (Aix-en-Provence), Silviu Florea (Bordeaux-Bègles), Dragoş Dima (Blagnac), Paulică Ion (London Irish)
Hookers:
Marius Tincu (Perpignan), Bogdan Zebega (Steaua), Andrei Rădoi (Baia Mare)
Locks:
Valentin Ursache (Aix-en-Provence), Cristian Petre (Saint-Étienne), Valentin Popirlan (CSM Bucureşti), Cosmin Raţiu (Dinamo)
Back Row:
Ovidiu Toniţa (Perpignan), Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare), Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanţa), Daniel Ianus (Steau), Stelian Burcea (Timişoara)
Scrum Halves:
Lucian Sîrbu (Millau), Valentin Calafeteanu (Timişoara), Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucureşti)
Fly Halves:
Dănuţ Dumbravă (Steau), Ionuţ Dimofte (Baia Mare)
Centres:
Csaba Gál (Baia Mare), Constantin Gheara (Farul Constanţa), Ionel Cazan (Steau)
Wings:
Cătălin Fercu (Timişoara), Mădălin Lemnaru (Timişoara), Stefan Ciuntu (Baia Mare)
Full Backs:
Florin Vlaicu (Steau), Iulian Dumitraș (Lourdes), Cătălin Nicolae (Farul Constanţa)
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