Rugby World Cup
Romania eye Georgia win
ESPNscrum Staff
August 24, 2011
Romania fly-half Danut Dumbrava looks to move the ball, Romania v Nambia, Nations Cup, Bucharest, Romania, June 10, 2011
Dumbrava will line up at fly-half for Romania © IRB
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Romania are setting their sights on claiming bragging rights against regional rivals Georgia when the teams meet in the Rugby World Cup 2011 pool stages.

Drawn in a tough Pool B, Romania's hopes of getting a win on the board realistically rest with the 28 September encounter with the Lelos in Palmerston North. Flanker Ovidiu Tonita, named in the 30-man squad for New Zealand, said: "The objective is to play some good matches against the strong teams like England, Scotland and Argentina - and win our last match against Georgia.

"They are our big rivals at the moment and we really want to make that one count."

Romanian players have long been associated with French clubs, and Tonita and hooker Marius Tincu play in the Top 14 for Perpignan, while prop Silviu Florea is at Bordeaux. Fellow front rower Paulica Ion plays for London Irish in the English Premiership.

Romania, who preserved their record of playing in every Rugby World Cup by beating Uruguay in a home and away play-off to become the 20th and final qualifier for New Zealand 2011, face Scotland in their first match on 10. September.

Coach Romeo Gontineac, who played for Romania in four World Cups, is assisted by 1987 World Cup-winner Steve McDowall.

Romania beat Ukraine 41-16 in a rearranged European Nations Cup encounter last weekend and complete their preparations with a friendly against French side Perigueux on Friday.

Romania squad:

Forwards: Stelian Burcea, Daniel Carpo, Nicolae Dragos Dima, Silviu Florea, Daniel Ianus, Paulica Ion, Mihaita Lazar, Mihai Macovei, Nicolae Nere, Cristian Petre, Valentin Poparlan, Cosmin Ratiu, Marius Tincu, Ovidiu Tonita, Valentin Ursache, Bogdan Zebega.

Backs: Valentin Calafeteanu, Ionel Cazan, Stefan Ciuntu, Ionut Dimofte, Danut Dumbrava, Iulian Dumitras, Catalin Fercu, Csaba Gal, Constantin Gheara, Madalin Lemnaru, Catalin Nicolae, Lucian Sirbu, Florin Surugiu, Florin Vlaicu.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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