Rugged Romania to face Ireland

Ireland can expect a bruising forward battle at Lansdowne Road on Saturday after Romania named a pack made up entirely of French-based professionals.

Agen lock Sorin Socol will lead the Romanians’ assault up front, with Biarritz prop Petru Balan, Pau openside Alexandru Manta and Perpignan number eight Ovidiu Tonita also featuring in a rugged-looking forward line-up.

There are two changes to the team that beat Canada 22-20 in Bucharest last Saturday, with centre Ionut Tofan and scrum-half Lucian Sirbu coming in for Romeo Gontineac and Petre Mitu.

Romania (v Ireland): C Fercu (Arad), G Brezoianu (Dax), I Tofan (Metro Racing), V Maftei (Aurillac), I Teodorescu (University Cluj), I Dimofte (Arad), P Mitu (Tarbes), P Balan (Biarritz), M Marius Tincu (Pau), P Toderasc (Brive), S Socol (Agen, captain), C Petre (Tarbes), F Corodeanu (Grenoble), A Manta (Pau), O Tonita (Perpignan)

Replacements: C Popescu (Tarbes), M Socaciu (Rovigo), C Mersoiu (Perigueux), C Ratiu (Dinamo Bucharest), L Sirbu (Metro Racing), X Gal (University Cluj), D Vlad (Steaua Bucharest).