Pool D: Romania `The Oaks`

Pool D: Romania ‘The Oaks’
*CIA Factbook 2014 estimate
For purposes of comparison, all GDP statistics
are expressed in United States Dollars
Share Market Index and Currency
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Considered a lightweight of world rugby at
just 75kgs, Cătălin Fercu’s talent has been
verified by his signing with top-tier English
premiership side, Saracens. The outside back
is renowned for the clinical lines he runs and
off the mark acceleration. Fercu was named
in the Romanian 2011 World Cup team
however a fear of flying grounded the Oaks’s
speedster on the day of departure, much to
the chagrin of team management.
Apr 13
Credit: © Alexandru Dobre | Dreamstime.com
Nov 12
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Sep 11
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Jul 10
Cătălin Fercu running with the ball during the
Romania vs. Georgia European Nations Cup
qualifying match, at the Arch of Triumph Stadium
in Bucharest, March 10, 2013.
6000
0.3000
3000
Source: Bloomberg
Imports, Exports and Trade Balance
100.0
(US$bn)
50.0
0.0
Exports
2013
2012
2011
-100.0
2010
-50.0
Imports
In 2009 NZ Oil & Gas (NZO) acquired a 33%
stake in a group intending to bid for exploration
contracts in Romania. The total cost was
€235,000 – an insignificant figure relative to
the then NZ$285m cash balance. NZO’s cash
balance is slightly above NZ$50m now-a-days.
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7000
World Cup History
Rugby and Markets
BUCHAREST BET INDEX (rhs)
RON-USD X-RATE
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For a minnow, Romania has a solid World
Cup history, having won a game in each of
the 1987, 1991, 1999, 2003, and 2007
Tournaments. In 2011, a drubbing at the
hands of Georgia saw the Oaks return home
empty-handed. Canada looms in 2015 as
the key match-up, although Romania will
undoubtedly also have Italy in their sights.
Bucharest
21,729,871*
238,391 km2
$388 billion*
$19,400*
1.1%*
39.6%*
2009
Romania has historically played a forwardoriented game, utilising its staunch tight-five
in strong European-style set piece strategies.
Welsh coach Lynn Howells, the former
assistant coach of Wales under the Graham
Henry regime, has introduced a touch more
backline prowess, utilising the speed and
experience of Fercu and co. Discipline will
be an important factor, with yellow cards not
an uncommon sight on scorecards featuring
Romania in recent years.
2008
Rugby Analysis
Capital:
Population:
Area:
GDP (ppp):
GDP per capita:
Inflation:
Public Debt (% of GDP):
2007
Player Focus: Cătălin Fercu
Key National Statistics
2006
Romania’s form since the 2011 Cup has
been respectable, with 29 wins, 16 losses,
and one draw. The Oaks have defeated
Pool D rivals Canada in consecutive tests in
2013 and 2014, which should make for an
interesting battle of the minnows. A lack of
games against top tier nations will make for a
testing tournament, however the Romanian’s
are rarely kept try-less.
2005
Mihai Macovei covers all three loose-forward
positions, and has recently signed for second
tier French rugby side Colomiers. Playing since
2006, the Oaks’captain has scored 11 test
tries and has a solid 59% win-loss record. Paula
Kinikinilau of Otago pedigree (and brother of
Roy) is set to bring Pacific Island flair to the
Oaks’ backline in what we hope will be his runon debut at the 2015 Tournament.
2004
Recent Form
2003
Key Players to Watch
Trade Balance
Source: UN Comtrade
Team Squad
Forwards: Paulica Ion, Mihaita Lazar,
Andrei Ursache, Alexandru Tarus, Horatiu
Pungea, Andrei Radoi, Otar Turashvili,
Eugen Capatana, Valentin Popirlan,
Johannes van Heerden, Marius Antonescu,
Valentin Ursache, Mihai Macovei (Capt),
Viorel Lucaci, Stelian Burcea, Ovidiu Tonita,
Daniel Carpo
Backs: Florin Surugiu, Valentin Calafeteanu,
Tudorel Bratu, Danut Dumbrava, Michael
Wiringi, Paula Kinikinilau, Florin Vlaicu,
Csaba Gal, Adrian Apostol, Ionut Botezatu,
Florin Ionita, Madalin Lemnaru, Cătălin
Fercu, Sabin Stratila
Team Coach: Lynn Howells
Forsyth Barr Prediction
Form Guide
Knocked out in pool play – 5th in pool
Result
Team
The Oaks are not expected to make it past pool play, with key match-ups
for fans likely to be against Canada and Italy. Romania’s best chance for
victory will be its game against Canada, with the result likely to dictate
whether the Romanians measure their efforts as a success or failure. We
expect an interesting battle of the minnows. Recent form and World Rugby
Rankings favour the Oaks, while past World Cup performances and historic
performance favour the Canucks.
WON
WON
WON
LOST
WON
LOST
Argentina Jaguares 23-0
21-Jun-15
Namibia
43-3
17-Jun-15
Spain
35-9
12-Jun-15
Georgia
6-15
21-Mar-15
Germany
17-12
14-Mar-15
Russia
13-16
28-Feb-15
Score
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