Romania concentrate on defence

ROMANIA look set to go back to basics and batten down the hatches in Gosford's Central Coast Stadium tomorrow.

Under French coach Bernard Charreyre, the eastern Europeans have attempted to play a more expansive game than the forward-dominated one made famous by their predecessors from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, two heavy warm-up losses to Wales and France may have played a part in Charreyre plumping for a return to what they know best against Eddie O'Sullivan's side.

"Because Ireland are so strong we have to look firstly to our defence, we must concentrate on our defence and tackle very well," stressed the 53-year coach. "It's important we tackle well, both as individuals and as a team.