Comments from Romania head coach Eugen Apjok and captain Cristian Chirica ahead of the match against Ireland in Pool B in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Eugen Apjok, head coach on his team selection:
“We chose the best players that we could for this game, and also we want to give them the opportunity to play against the number one team in the rankings. We think we are ready for this game.
“They must play at 100 per cent because their individual performances will have a great impact on the team performance.
“It is very important for them to play and enjoy this game as it can be a moment where we see our strengths and weaknesses. Also, it can be a very important start to build towards qualification for the next World Cup as 95% of the players at this World Cup will be available for the next one also.
“It will be a special moment for all the 23 players. It will be their first game in the World Cup. I hope there will be positive emotions. It depends on how they manage these emotions so they can do what we prepared for this game.
“We will have tough moments but we will see how the leaders of the team react at that point, but I am truly convinced that this experience will help us in the future.”
Cristian Chirica, captain on how the players are feeling as Saturday’s match against Ireland approaches:
“The boys are very motivated. They are well prepared and ready to enjoy every moment on the pitch.”
On players’ plans as individuals and as a group:
“As a team we discussed a lot about the problems that we had in the last three test matches. This was a very good week for us, with no errors. The team is ready to go on the pitch and play rugby.”
On how Romania can overcome the squad’s lack of World Cup experience:
“The game will be very difficult because the opponents are a very strong side. But Romania have shown they can handle the pressure and the tough moments we will have. We’re going to raise the level to the standard the fans and the opponents are expecting from us.”
On a message for the fans:
“I am very keen to have Romanian fans in the stands because in the past they have been a real help, and for those who cannot attend the game, support Romania as much as you can.”
backstreet
The All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history – The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history. Since 1903 when they played their first ever game, they have a win percentage of 78% in nearly 600 games. That stat is absolutely crazy when you think about it. They’ve also won 3 Rugby World Cups (though arguably should have won all of them apart from 1991 and 2003). They were also the first rugby team to win 500 test matches, one of many records establishing the All Blacks the world’s best team. Can you imagine winning 78% of all your games you play!?
Fiend Oblivion
Zimbabwe and South Africa are two of just 10 countries sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to play Test Cricket.