It’s an historic first ever meeting between Tonga and Romania, who share similar histories as old and established rugby nations who are now slowly rebuilding after several years of mediocrity.
ROMANIA vs TONGA
Saturday, November 9, 16:00 GMT, Bucharest
It’s been an excellent year for Lynn Howells and his Romanian team, who are unbeaten in eight matches after narrowly conceding the European Nations Cup title to Georgia on points differential, and winning the IRB Nations Cup outright. The domestic Super Liga club championship is gaining popularity and financial support, and a new generation of players are starting to emerge as potential test stars.
Two youngsters, Stephen Hihetah and Ionut Dumitru, have been selected as the wingers for this match, with another two, prop Constantin Pristavita and uncapped utility forward Dorin Lazar, among the reserves. Otherwise the squad is established with loads of experience including five players exceeding 50 caps. Even minus a couple injured veterans the pack looks pretty useful.
Castres and Perpignan provide the starting props with new Scarlets signing Horatiu Pungea only able to make the bench, while Oyonnax’ most dependable forward, Valentin Ursache, mans the blindside flank. Captain Mihai Macovei and Viorel Lucaci complete a formidable back row unit, and Georgian import Otar Turashvili adds his considerable bulk to the middle of the front row.
Veteran halfback Valentin Calafeteanu has been playing flyhalf for the Bucharest Wolves and continues in the role ahead of Dorin Manole, a superior kicker sometimes employed on the wing, while Florin Vlaicu and Csaba Gal form a strong midfield, with Robert Dascalu a very capable alternative on the bench. Fullback Catalin Fercu will surpass Gabriel Brezoianu as his country’s all-time try scoring leader should he touch down during the match.
Tonga have had a respectable couple of years after famously beating France in the World Cup, but have been hampered by inconsistent availability of their top players. Most of them have joined on for the tour as the preparations for 2015 have begun. Inspirational leader Nili Latu remains captain and the fulcrum around which so much happens for the Ikale Tahi.
Joining Latu in the back row is Gloucester player-of-the-year Sione Kalamafoni, who at last makes his international return following two years out of the test side. Strong running Viliame Ma’afu rounds out the impressive trio whose battle with their Romanian counterparts should be fascinating. Another Gloucester starter, second row Lua Lokotui, partners new cap Uili Kolo’ofai, making his debut at the age of 31.
Fangatapu Apikotoa continues to call the shots at flyhalf in place of Kurt Morath, who cruelly damaged knee ligaments in the Pacific Nations Cup, and will handle the goal kicking. Dangerous fullback Vungakoto Lilo returns for his first test of the year, while a slight surprise sees Tomasi Palu picked at scrumhalf ahead of oddly omitted vice-captain Taniela Moa. Two more uncapped players, Suliasi Taufalele and Latiume Fosita, both from the ITM Cup, join Bayonne behemoth Opeti Fonua on the bench.
These two sides are more evenly matched than their IRB ranking might indicate. Tonga certainly have more firepower out wide, but the Romanians should have the edge at the set pieces and potentially the kicking game. With the Oaks enjoying home field advantage this one could come down to the wire. Look for the big Tongan backs to put one over late as first blood goes to the visitors who win by 5.
Referee: Francisco Pastrana (UAR)
Assistants: Andrew McMenemy (SRU) & Adrian Graves (SRU)
TMO: Alan Falzone (FIR)
