2015 Rugby World Cup Preview: Romania
By Matt Findlay
Head coach Lynn Howells has picked a diverse Oaks squad from all over the world, and if you ask him, it's a unit that can be the 2015 Rugby World Cup's surprise package.
While the Romanians are still given nigh on no hope of progressing, Howells said his side is capable of pushing some of the bigger nations – namely France, Italy and Ireland, who they are pooled with alongside Canada.
The Oaks take on the French in their first game at the 2015 RWC, before playing Ireland, Canada and Italy.
It's a far from ideal draw, taking on two of the top 10 ranked sides in the world, but Howells is confident of strong performances.
With kiwi-born Michael Wiringi directing traffic, and the other foreigners in the squad in Tongan centre Paula Kinikilau, South African second-rower Johannes van Heerden and Georgian-born prop Otar Turashvili leading the way, Howells said his side will surprise plenty, while focusing on enjoying the experience of playing the sport's biggest stage.