Fijians fly to Bucharest
The Flying Fijians fly to Bucharest to play Romania on Saturday, hoping no doubt for a better result than the first two on their tour.
They lost 23-10 to Scotland and then 41-6 to Ireland. Not that Romania have been even as good as that, beaten 33-6 by Italy A a fortnight ago.
The two countries have met only once before - when Romania beat Fiji 17-15 at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji have been bolstered by the arrival in the squad of former rugby league star Semi Tadulala who has signed for Gloucester, but there are more losses than gains. Glen Ella's side will be without Nicky Little, lock Iferemi Rawaqa who has gone back to his club in Japan, captain Seremaia Bai has gone back to Clkermont Auvergne while Akapusi Qera and Mosese Rauluni are back in England with Gloucester and Saracens.
So much for the window!
Little's place may well be taken by a England-born teenager Josh Matavesi, who plays for Exeter Chiefs. He has decided that he will play for the coiuntry of his soldier father.
Romania also do not get full value from their players. Marius Tincu will be with Perpigtnan but a loyal Oazk Ovidiu Tonita will again be doing his best for his country.
It could be a fascinating encounter - the dour strength of the Oaks against the flamboyant Fijians.
Teams
Romania squad: Bogdan Balan, Ion Paulica, Petrisor Toderasc, Mihaita Lazar, Mihai Adascalitei, Andrei Radoi, Bogdan Zebega, Sorin Socol, Cristian Petre, Vali Ursache, Augustin Petrichei, Cosmin Ratiu, Ovidiu Tonita, Vasile Rus, Daniel Carpo, Stelian Burcea, Mihai Macovei, Viorel Lucaci, Lucian Sîrbu, Valentin Calafeteanu, Iulian Dumitras, Ionut Dimofte, Stefan Patrascu, Robert Dascalu, Csaba Gal, Dan Dumitru, Catalin Nicolae, Catalin Fercu, Madalin Lemnaru, Daniel Nainer, Stefan Ciuntu, Florin Vlaicu, Dan Dumbrava
Fiji squad: Rupeni Nasiga, Iliesa Keresoni, Josefa Domolailai, Sailosi Rabonaqica, Nemia Ranuku, Saula Radidi, Jonetani Ralulu, Viliame Seuseu, Timoci Nagusa, Sireli Naqelevuki, Vereniki Sauturaga, Deryck Thomas, Waisea Luveniyali, Michael Tagicakibau, Graham Dewes, Wame Lewaravu, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Vereniki Goneva, Jeremaiya Tuilevu, Semisi Naevo, Netani Talei, Tiko Matawalu, Jone Railomo, Aca Ratuva, Sunia Koto, Aporosa Vata, Kameli Ratuvou, Marika Vakacegu, Kele Leawere, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Vilimoni Delasau, Josh Matavesi, Semi Tadulala
Date: Saturday, 28 November 2009
Kick-off: 17.00 (local time)
Venue: Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Expected weather conditions: Scattered clouds with a chance of rain later, a high of 14°C, dropping to freezing poiint and a westerly wind.
Romania vs Fiji at Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Referee: Jérôme Garces (France)