Romania make wholesale changes for England

Romania have made a record 11 changes in their starting XV to play England in a Pool B match on Saturday but coach Romeo Gontineac says that the shake-up is all about giving his players exposure at the top level.

The wholesale reshuffle - 11 player and three positional changes - sees just four players retained for the match at Otago Stadium from the 43-8 loss to Argentina in Invercargill on 17 September

"We trust this team. We trusted them before the World Cup so we trust them now as well," Gontineac said.

"We want to share the playing times. A lot of players have played 80 minutes, and we want everyone to enjoy the World Cup."

Gontineac played down the notion it was risky to make so many changes against England with the previous mark for Romania at a World Cup being eight players between matches.

"It would also be a risk to keep the same team, because already we have played two games with almost the same team, and secondly, the team after the game against Argentina was not too happy with their game."

Romanian eyes are certainly on the following week’s all-important clash with Georgia in Palmerston North to possibly decide the third team in the group and automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Petre is captain

The only player to retain his position is second row Cristian Petre, who takes over the captain’s reins from hooker Marius Tincu, who will warm the bench and has been appointed vice-captain.

Of the other three to retain a starting position, Ovidiu Tonita makes a rare international appearance at No 8 when he shifts from his regular open-side flanker berth; Ionel Cazan moves in a spot from the wing to outside centre and Iulian Dumitras shuffles to inside centre from full back.

Gontineac expects The Oaks to perform at a high level against England.

"We want these players to prove that they are good enough to play even against England, which is one of the best teams in the world.

“To achieve what we did in the first game, consistency, and to prepare for a very good game against Georgia, which will be four days after this game."

Paramount in the minds of some Romanians is the 2001 Twickenham debacle when England won 134-0, the last time the nations clashed.

"It's not going to be the same. England still have a very good team but the Romania team has changed a little bit," Gontineac said.

Petre said it was an honour to be named captain.

"I am honoured and proud to be captain of the national team at the World Cup. I have more courage after the decision of the staff to make me captain for this match.

"I have captained the side before. It's a dream for any player to be in a World Cup, but to be captain is even greater."

The only Romanian yet to be named to play in RWC 2011 is 1999 RWC veteran prop Dragos Dima, who could become the third person to play World Cups 12 years apart without competing in between.