Romania makes five changes ahead of Uruguay test
The technical staff of Romania’s national rugby team made five changes to the starting XV compared to the match against the United States for the test match against Uruguay, which will take place on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at the Arcul de Triumf National Rugby Stadium in Bucharest, according to the Romanian Rugby Federation’s website.
Three changes were made in the forward pack and two in the backline. Thus, in the front row, Butnariu and Gajion will start, while Antonescu will play in the second row. A tactical change was also made: Immelman, who has played in the second row so far, will move to the back row as a flanker. In the backline, Onuțu will start as center, and Neagu as fullback. On the bench, Robert Irimescu makes a notable return after a long period, having played for West Harbour in Australia. Additionally, Tangimana and Popoaia have the opportunity to play for the first time this month, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.
The match against Los Teros will be the last for Cristi Chirica, who has announced his retirement from the national team.
“It will be an emotional last match for me, full of adrenaline and everything, and I will give my best to win this game, to have a last match as I wish, with good play and a victory,” said Cristi Chirica, who was Romania’s captain at the Rugby World Cup in France.
Romania, ranked 21st in the world, and Uruguay, ranked 15th, have met 15 times so far. Romania won nine of these matches, one ended in a draw, and five—including the last four—were won by Los Teros.
The last encounter took place four months ago in Montevideo during Romania’s summer tour, when the hosts won decisively (70-8).
In this month’s test matches, Romania defeated Canada 31-21 but lost to the United States 18-26.
Romania’s starting XV:
1. Alexandru Savin (CS Rapid)
2. Tudor Butnariu (SCM USV Timișoara)
3. Gheorghe Gajion (Mont De Marsan)
4. Marius Antonescu (Narbonne)
5. Andrei Mahu (captain; Massy)
6. Cristi Boboc (CSA Steaua)
7. Nicolaas Immelman (CSM Știința Baia Mare)
8. Cristi Chirica (CS Dinamo)
9. Alin Conache (CSA Steaua)
10. Hinckely Vaovasa (CS Dinamo)
11. Tevita Manumua (SCM USV Timișoara)
12. Jason Tomane (CSM Știința Baia Mare)
13. Nicolas Onuțu (CS Annonay)
14. Iliesa Tiqe (SCM USV Timișoara)
15. Ovidiu Neagu (SCM USV Timișoara)
Reserves:
16. Robert Irimescu (West Harbour Australia)
17. Vasile Bălan (CSA Steaua)
18. Thomas Crețu (Dax)
19. Vlad Neculau (SCM USV Timișoara)
20. Kemal Altinok (SCM USV Timișoara)
21. Gabriel Rupanu (SCM USV Timișoara)
22. Paul Popoaia (CSM Știința Baia Mare)
23. Fonovai Tangimana (CS Dinamo)
Technical staff:
David Gerard – head coach
Raphael Saint-Andre – assistant coach (attack and backs)
Benjamin Lapeyre – assistant coach (defense and skills)
Juan Pablo Orlandi – assistant coach (forwards)
Michael Dallery – fitness coach
Paul Cere – assistant fitness coach and data scientist
Daniel Carpo – fitness coach and data scientist
Petra Melinte – team doctor
Marius Todosi – physiotherapist
Andrei Diaconeasa – physiotherapist
Gilles Soirat – video analyst
Fabian Bunu – video analyst
