Lynn Howells’ Romania play their Rugby World Cup final on Sunday when a win over Italy will see them finish third in Pool D and qualify for the 2019 edition in Japan.
The Welsh coach would have preferred to go into the game in Exeter with his inspirational captain Mihai Macovei. But the two try hero from the comeback 17-15 win over Canada last Wednesday is unavailable after losing an appeal against a two week ban for a high tackle.
Valentin Ursache, who plays for Top 14 side Oyonnax, will captain the side instead in a game Howells has termed the most important for the ‘oaks’ in a very long time.
Romania trail Italy, without several first choice players including talismanic captain Sergio Parisse, by a point.
“It’s a big loss,” said Howells of Macovei’s absence.
“He’s a very good leader and a good player but it gives another player an opportunity.
“The big part will be the leadership of the team. Valentin Ursache is quite capable and has a good knowledge of the game.
– Colateral damage –
“It’s a loss but we can take it.”
Howells, who was assistant Wales coach at the 1999 World Cup, said earning an automatic spot for 2019 would have a huge impact on being able to develop younger talent and offer a substantial incentive to those dithering between rugby and other sports.
“It is one of the most important games we will have played in a long time,” said Howells, who could play a significant role in that building process as his contract runs till 2017.
“If we can qualify automatically for the next World Cup we can concentrate on development for the next four years.”
For his Italy counterpart Jacques Brunel it will be his final outing in the role after a difficult spell in charge. Brunel will be aiming to avoid the humiliating position as the only Six Nations side having to qualify for the next World Cup.
Brunel, who was forwards coach with the French teams that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2003 and 2007, will be missing Parisse, whose exertions in the 16-9 loss to Ireland last Sunday saw a calf problem flare up again, with several other stalwarts.
Prop Martin Castrogiovanni and centre Gonzalo Garcia, whose try edged the Italians past Canada in their sole win, as well as Parisse’s usual deputy as skipper hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini are all out injured.
Brunel has decided not to bolster the side and also omitted five-time World Cup finals veteran Mauro Bergamasco completely so that younger players get a chance.
Parisse for one believes it is the right tack to take.
“There are lots of young players and for them it is a chance to gain experience and knowhow to give their best in a blue shirt,” said Parisse.
“They remind me of when I was young and made lots of mistakes, but they were mistakes that helped me and gave me necessary experience.
“They will have learned from all these matches and I hope that they stay together and make it through to the next World Cup.”
Elsewhere, Argentina — who will learn their quarter-final opponents on Sunday as they face the winner of France v Ireland — play Namibia, in Leicester. The African side will be without star player and captain Jacques Burger, who has concussion following a blow in the narrow defeat to Georgia on Wednesday.