Romania recall captain Macovei for Uruguay test

Romania have welcomed back 79 caps of experience for their match against Uruguay on Saturday. Regular captain Mihai Macovei has returned to the squad from club side Colomiers. The addition of the 32-year-old is the only change to the squad that prepared for this past weekend’s test against the USA.

Macovei is set to start on the flank with Johan van Heerden returning to his more familiar second row spot. His presence also gives a much-needed boost to the lineout, an area where the Oaks were exposed badly against the Eagles. Adrian Motoc captained the side in Macovei’s absence.

The match against the USA did not go as planned for Romania, who dropped a 31-5 result. They had beaten Portugal 36-6 just a week previously but faced the Eagles without five starting forwards including Macovei. Veteran flanker Valentin Ursache has retired while prop Alexandru Tarus, lock Marius Antonescu, and back row Andrei Gorcioaia remain with their clubs.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Ionel Badiu (Roval Drome, FR), Alex Gordas (CSM Bucuresti), Laurentiu Nica (Uni Cluj), Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare), Alexandru Savin (CSM Bucuresti), Florin Bardasu (CSM Bucuresti), Eugen Capatana (Timisoara), Andrei Radoi (Timisoara), Marian Drenceanu (Timisoara), Marius Iftimiciuc (Timisoara), Adrian Motoc (Agen, FR), Johan van Heerden (Perpignan, FR), Cristi Chirica (Baia Mare), Razvan Ilisescu (Blagnac, FR), Adrian Ion (CSM Bucuresti), Mihai Macovei (Colomiers, FR), Damian Stratila (Steaua)

BACKS
Tudorel Bratu (CSM Bucuresti), Valentin Calafeteanu (CSM Bucuresti), Florin Surugiu (Steaua), Tudor Boldor (Steaua), Daniel Plai (Steaua), Alexandru Bucur (Baia Mare), Vladut Popa (Timisoara), Fonovai Tangimana (CSM Bucuresti), Florin Vlaicu (CSM Bucuresti), Ionut Dumitru (Steaua), Robert Neagu (Steaua), Paul Popoaia (Baia Mare), Vladut Zaharia (Timisoara), Catalin Fercu (Timisoara), Ionel Melinte (Steaua)