Rugby World Cup
Preview: Ireland vs. Romania - Ireland should cruise to victory
Nic Atkin
September 26, 2015
Ireland to utilise squad depth

Ireland made the perfect start to their Rugby World Cup campaign with a crushing 50-7 bonus-point win over Canada, and they will fancy their chances of doing the same against Romania at Wembley on Sunday. Romania showed guts during Wednesday's 38-11 defeat to France, particularly in the first half with the scoreline slightly flattering Les Bleus at the end, but with such a quick turnaround they face a challenge to cause Ireland problems. Japan showed that the underdog should never be counted out, however - and a first win over Ireland would be the greatest moment in Romania's rugby history. Surely no more motivation is needed.

Team news

Joe Schmidt makes 12 changes with Robbie Henshaw missing out again. The Connacht centre has returned to fitness after a hamstring injury but Schmidt has chosen not to risk him, while Johnny Sexton also sits out.

Darren Cove comes in at 12 while Cian Healy is back at loosehead prop for his first start since neck surgery in May.

Cian Healy in action during the Ireland Captain's Run
Cian Healy in action during the Ireland Captain's Run© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Valentin Ursache misses out for Romania after receiving a one-week ban for a dangerous tackle during the opening defeat against France.

France 38-11 Romania (Australia only)
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The 30-year-old was originally named in Lynn Howells' starting XV but is now replaced by Viorel Lucaci at blind-side.

Ireland:

Zebo, Bowe, Payne, Cave, Earls, Madigan, Reddan, Healy, Strauss, White, Ryan, Toner, Murphy, Henry, Heaslip (captain).

Replacements: Cronin, McGrath, Furlong, O'Connell, O'Brien, Murray, Jackson, Kearney.

Romania:

Fercu, Apostol, Kinikinilau, Gal, Botezatu, Wiringi, Calafeteanu; A. Ursache, Radoi, Ion, Poparlan, Tonita, Lucaci, Macovei (captain), Carpo.

Replacements: Lazar, Turashvili, Tarus, Van Heerden, Burcea, Surugiu, Ionita, Vlaicu.

Key head-to-head

Healy and Nathan White will no doubt face a tough test against loosehead and tighthead Andrei Ursache and Paulica Ion - who plays for Perpignan in the Top 14 - 

Schmidt hoping fringe players will impress
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Key stats

*With an average age of 29 years and 245 days, Ireland name the oldest start XV in World Cup history

*Keith Earls is two tries away from equalling Brian O'Driscoll's record as Ireland's leading World Cup try-scorer with seven.

*Romania's line-up boasts a total of 710 caps - the most by a Romania team at the World Cup.

Odds

Romania's 50/1 odds show how unlikely Ireland are to slip up here - a -40.5 handicap for Schmidt's side might tempt you at 10/11 with Unibet.

Weather

Wembley is set for a pleasant afternoon with warm spells and temperatures of up to 17 degrees Celsius.

Prediction

Romania will likely put up a fight during the first half as they did against France, but Ireland's superiority should tell with plenty pushing for inclusion against Italy - a comfortable win by 35 points.

© Nic Atkin

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