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RWC 2019 will open with Japan vs Romania. The tournament opener was confirmed today following RWC qualifying results in Europe.
The final round of the Rugby Europe Championship saw two RWC 2019 qualification fixtures and three matches overall. The pre-qualified Georgia hosted Romania, securing a 25-16 win. In Cologne, Germany fell to a 57-3 loss against Russia.
The big game though was in Belgium. It was Spain’s chance of securing Europe 1, and earning the right to face Japan in the tournament opener. It was not to be, though, as Belgium completed an 18-10 win which saw Romania qualifying instead.
The results see Romania’s perfect record of playing in all RWCs remaining. The Eastern Europeans have played in every RWC, a feat which looked like possibly ending for 2019.
Romania’s loss against Spain last month combined with Spain also defeating Russia and Germany meant Los Leones were in pole position to become Europe 1.
It had Canada seriously concerned. Indeed, Spain must now defeat Portugal before going on to face Samoa in a Play-Off Winner match. The winner of Samoa vs Europe 2 will qualify for RWC 2019, joining Ireland, Japan, Romania and Scotland in Pool A.
Canada awaits three teams in repechage. Romania was the team that they wanted to avoid. Spain is an easier prospect for the North Americans both in theory and reality. In 2017 Canada fell at home against Romania but defeated Spain on the road.
Canada will play in the Repechage series in November. It is to be a four-team competition with the winner qualifying for RWC 2019, claiming the 20th, and final, place in the tournament.
The three other teams will be determined in remaining RWC qualifiers this year. The loser of Samoa vs Europe 2 (Spain or Portugal) will be one of them. The two others are to be Africa 2 and the winner of an Asia / Oceania play-off.
Romania at RWC 2019
The Oaks’ qualification sees them claiming the fourth of five places in Pool A. Compared against RWC 2015 it is an easier pool this time around. France, Ireland and Italy were all opponents with Canada being the only winnable match.
At RWC 2019 Romania will begin in Tokyo against Japan. A tough ask sees Romania required to play their second match on a turn-around of just three rest days. Games three and four have more than enough time for Romania to play at full strength.
| DATE | FIXTURE | VENUE |
| Friday September 20 | Romania vs Japan | Tokyo Stadium |
| Tuesday September 24 | Romania vs Play-Off Winner | Kumagaya |
| Thursday October 03 | Romania vs Ireland | Kobe |
| Wednesday October 09 | Romania vs Scotland | Shizuoka |
