O’Sullivan wary of Romania

IRISH coach Eddie O’Sullivan has bitter sweet memories of his last international at Thomond Park.

Three years ago, O’Sullivan was on the coaching team of the American Eagles who took on eventual World Champions Australia in a pool game.

Of course, his side was on the wrong side of the scoreline but he was heartened by the level of support they got from the most knowledgeable rugby fans in Ireland.

This time out, O’Sullivan hopes the crowd turn their backs on the underdogs as Romania, Ireland’s opponents, attempt to tear the form book to shreds. Romania has won their last five matches but none of them were against the quality of opposition that Ireland will provide today (1.30).

Still, O’Sullivan is conscious of two factors that could make it difficult for his side. One, he feels, is that Romania has certainly improved since Ireland beat them by 30 points in Bucharest a little over a year ago.

Secondly, he is anxious that Ireland “hit the ground running” from the very start. “Romania will get a certain level of support, particularly if they manage to put it up to us. We went to get out there and do the business from the early stages.”

Whilst he has the utmost confidence in his charges to do that, O’Sullivan is under no illusions that it won’t be as easy as people might think. “Most of the Romanian squad play their rugby in France and they have a French coach. They are always physical but I am sure they will be mentally better prepared than they were in the last couple of years. That will make it more difficult for us to get on top of them.”

Although Ireland suffered a major blow with the unfortunate loss of captain Keith Wood, it is an opportunity for Shane Byrne to further enhance his prospects of remaining number two choice hooker ahead of the injured Frankie Sheahan. Sheahan would surely have been called into the squad but for injury. Instead, young Paul Shields has been named in the reserves.

Alongside him will be Leinster second row forward Leo Cullen who will be bursting to get an opportunity to win his second cap after playing as a replacement in the second Test against New Zealand.

Cullen had his first taste of international rugby as a replacement in the second Test against New Zealand in June and wants more.

“I would love to get an opportunity to win a cap on Irish soil but I intend being patient. It will obviously all hinge on how well we are doing as the game progresses.

But Cullen has a fair idea all will be well. “You can never write off any opposition and Romania have obviously improved considerably in the last 12 months or so. Our guys will be ready though. There is not even the slightest hint that anyone is taking this game for granted.”

The 24-year-old has achieved virtually everything in his career but would love a regular place in the Irish squad. Ironically, he was called up ahead of his former second row partner Bob Casey, who has moved to London Irish.

And, contrary to what he might be thinking, he is not glad to see the back of Casey, with whom he had a huge on field rivalry as well as a solid friendship off the pitch.

“I think our rivalry for a place on the Leinster side actually helped both of us. He may be gone but that doesn’t mean I can assume my career will take off as a result.”

I still have to fight for my place in Leinster and I think it is a good thing to have to battle against other contenders. It makes everyone that bit sharper.”

That holds true in the battle for the out half position, between Ronan O’Gara and David Humphreys and in the centre between Kevin Maggs and Rob Henderson.

Coach O’Sullivan hopes one day to have 22 head to heads. “If we ever get to that stage it will be magnificent.”

IRELAND: G. Dempsey, J. Kelly, B. O’Driscoll, K. Maggs, D. Hickie, R. O’Gara, P. Stringer, R. Corrigan, S. Byrne, J. Hayes, G. Longwell, M. O’Kelly, S. Easterby, A. Foley (captain), K. Gleeson. Replacements. R. Henderson, D. Humphreys, G. Easterby, P. Wallace, S. Byrne, L. Cullen, V. Costello.

ROMANIA: G. Brezoianu, C Sauan, V. Matei, R. Gontineac (captain), M. Vioreanue, I. Totan, L. Sirbu, M. Dumitru, R. Mavrodin, M. Tincu, M. Dragomir, C. Petre, F. Corodeanu, A. Petrache, A. Manta. Replacements. P. Toderasc, D. Tudosa, A. Petrichel, G. Chiriac, C. Podea, R. Vusec, M. Picoiu.