Ireland went off to a fast start at this year’s Rugby World Cup, trouncing Canada 50-7. The Irish should be able to take another big win for their second outing of this campaign when they take on an uninspiring Romanian team. Romania was on the wrong side of a blowout against France in its first match in the World Cup. The Romanians will need to do more if they are to avoid another trashing against one of the tournament favorites.
Ireland proved to be the team to beat in Pool D after taking the biggest margin of victory through the first three matches of the pool. Ireland may once again be up for a big game considering they face lowly Romania next. The Irish have not lost in eight meetings against Romania all-time with an average point differential of +31.75.
[sc:Other240banner ]Sean O’Brien shone in the big victory over Canada, converting a try in the 18th minute. Tullow Tank has the muscularity to go on big runs carrying the ball. He could also offload or pass to plenty of the Irish’s scoring threats should the Romanians close in on him. Fly-half Jonathan Sexton should also be able to convert a try. He leads the Irish squad with 510 points in the World Cup after converting a try, three conversion kicks and a penalty kick against Canada.
If you think that the two are the only Irish to look out for, think again. Iain Henderson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Jared Payne and even substitute Sean Cronin each scored a try against Canada. It’s going to take a whole lot to stop the Irish, especially against a Romanian side that was blown out by France 38-11.
Betting on Romania
Romania enjoyed some early success against France. The Romanians were fairly competitive at the start of the match, levelling with France 3-3 after 30 minutes of action. It all went south from there. They allowed France to cross on two instances and were down 17-6 at half-time.
Florin Vlaicu, one of Romania’s most experienced players with 82 caps, gave the Oaks a spark. He converted two penalty kicks for six points in the loss to France. Vlaicu is currently Romania’s top scorer all-time with 627 points. Aside from Vlaicu, Valentin Ursahe also scored on a try, albeit when the match was already out of hand in the 76th minute.
Romania will have a chance if the Irish looks head to its clash against fellow rugby power Italy for their third match of the Pool Stage. But considering how Ireland didn’t let off against an overmatched Canada side, then Romania is in for a treat. If the Oaks can keep up with Ireland’s straightforward attack, while scoring their own points, then Romania stands a good chance of at least keeping the score close.
Writer’s Prediction
Ireland’s bruising attacks will be too difficult to stop. The Irish cruise to another 40-point victory as they gain even more momentum ahead of their matchups against Pool D’s top teams.
