Romania

World Ranking: 16.

COACH: Mircea Paraschiv. A legend in his native land, the former scrumhalf won 63 caps between 1975 and '87, playing in the first World Cup. Has had one of the least enviable jobs in world coaching since taking over the Romanian team in the mid-90s. Financial contraints, injuries and numerous number of players based in France obliged him to invest in younger players - with limited success thus far. But the 44-year-old is a charismatic, engaging and passionate character, with a good club track record.

TACTICAL TURN: Well coached, heavily French influenced (where 12 of the squad are based), with some stylish backs such as the fast and direct Gontineac who caused Ireland bother in the qualifiers. Even though the likes of Tiberiu Brinza, the experienced prop Gheorghe Solomie and the captain Constantin Tudor (all French-based) are now back in the fold, they could be a bit lightweight and inexperienced up front.

STAR TURN: Petre Mitu: Goalkicking scrum-half who scored all 19 of Romania's points during a recent World Cup warm-up match against Scotland in Glasgow. Has a crisp service and sound tactical game, and has clearly benefited from Paraschiv's expertise. Looks set to be one of Romania's greats.

VERDICT: Likelier dark horses than the States. They may well decide to keep some of their bigger guns in reserve until after the opener against Australia, thereby targeting the game against the USA and then have everything to play for against Ireland. A fourth first phase exit seems likely.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "It was important for us to qualify for the finals. It enabled us to stay in touch with the rest of the world of rugby. The fact that Romania have qualified will enable Romanian youngsters to maintain their interest in the game."

- Constantin Fugigi (Romanian team manager).