International Rugby: Fiji Makes Historic Visit to Bucharest

28.11.2009
Fiji v Romania in Bucharest

Venue: Stadionul "Arcul de Triumf"

Referee:

Preview
The most historic encounter of this weekend sees Fiji venture into Eastern Europe for the first time. As part of the IRB's push to open up encounters between tier 2 nations and across continents, Fiji will play Romania in Bucharest.

Fiji will not be at the strength of previous games on this tour as four players return to their European clubs. Coach Sam Domoni will have a home-based side to face the Oaks. The absence of Rawaqa, Bai, Qera and Rauluni will leave gaps difficult to fill. Aplosi Satala will lead the team. Fiji has played some of the top teams of the 6 Nations and may find relief against the less convincing Romanians.

Romania were most disappointing in their 6-33 loss to Italy 'A' and has recalled 2007 Rugby World Cup veteran Sorin Socol to lead the side. But not included are two other World Cup veterans in Tincu and Manta. Romania has revamped its forward pack, determined to win this game before the crucial World Cup qualifiers start again in February. They could well find the Fijians in a rampant mood.

Previous Encounter
12.10.1991 Romania 17-15 in Brive (World Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Fiji 11th, Romania 21st

Prediction: Fiji by 25 points

Teams

Fiji

15. Norman Ligairi (Brive, France)
14. Timoci Nagusa (Ulster, Ireland)
13. Vereniki Goneva (Nadi)
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu (Toulon, France)
11. Semi Tadulala (Gloucester, England)
10. Josh Matavesi (Exeter Chiefs, England)
9. Waisale Vatuvoka (Naitasiri)
8. Asaeli Boko (Nadroga)
7. Jimilai Naikadawa (Naitasiri)
6. Samu Bola (Suva)
5. Leone Nakarawa (Suva)
4. Apolosi Satala, Capt. (Gloucester, England)
3. Viliame Seuseu (Nadi)
2. Vereniki Sauturaga (Naitasiri)
1. Aisake Tarogi (Suva)
Reserves
16. Isireli Ledua (Northland, Fiji)
17. Alefoso Yalayalatabua (Suva)
18. Graham Dewes (Esher RFC, England)
19. Viliame Veikoso (Nadi)
20. Kelemedi Bola (Suva)
21. Jonetani Ratu (Nadroga)
22. Nasoni Roko (Yokogawa, Japan)
Head Coach” Samuela Domoni

http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/flying-fijians-v-romania-named.html

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu
14. Stefan Ciuntu
13. Ionut Dimofte
12. Dan Dumitru
11. Catalin Nicolae
10. Iulian Dumitras
9. Lucian Sirbu
8. Ovidiu Tonita
7. Vasile Rus
6. Stelian Burcea
5. Augustin Petrichei
4. Sorin Socol, Capt.
3. Paulica Ion
2. Andrei Radoi
1. Bogdan Balan
Replacements
16. Petrisor Toderasc
17. Bogdan Zebega
18. Valentin Ursache
19. Viorel Lucaci
20. Valentin Calafeteanu
21. Csaba Gal
22. Dan Dumbrava
23. Mihai Lazar
Head Coach: Serge Lairle

http://www.rugby.ro/articol/sorin-socol-din-nou-capitan-al-romaniei-dupa-2-ani-de-pauza-14839/