Captain Marius Tincu has called for more consistency from his Romanian side after a topsy-turvy start to their Rugby World Cup campaign.Tincu was pleased with the commitment when
Romania took Scotland to the brink before losing 24-34 but he was frustrated by the performance against
Argentina last weekend when the Romanians lost 8-43.
"I think the Scotland game showed you must be strong in every game, not just one," he said.
"I don't know what happened against Argentina. We're not happy with the game we played against them. I think before the game a win is possible but we did not play like that."
"Argentina played very physically in the forwards and their backs ran well. The Argentina boys made problems in the ruck. The referee never saw that. I'm not happy with that."
It does not get any easier for
Romania, who
play England at Otago Stadium on Saturday night.The Romanians have suffered heavy defeats in their previous four games against the 2003 World Cup winners.
"Maybe, if we can keep the ball, we can make problems for England," he said.
Tincu, 33, a combative hooker, has played 48 tests and scored 14 tries since his debut for Romania in 2002.
He plays for Perpignan in France but most of the other Romanians do not have regular exposure to such high-level rugby.
"I think the game in Romania is stronger than it was 20 years ago," he said. " I have 10 years international experience and I see the evolution. I think this group could get a lot better."
"I think the problem is inexperience," he added. "Our players need more top-level rugby. You must plan ahead for years but it is hard to get contracts in France because of the financial crisis."
"If there is not much money, we must accept that and get on and play rugby. In France every game is very, very hard. That is what most of our players lack."
"We must have a plan for four years, work together and have patience. We must help everyone get to a higher level."
Tincu said former All Black prop Steve McDowell was doing his best to help the Romanians in their tight forward play and scrummaging.
"He has tried to help us technically because he knows so much but some of the players don't make the most of his knowledge."
Romania have played in all six World Cups and have won five of their 20 matches.
They are not expected to beat England on Saturday but
should have a realistic chance of a win against Georgia in Palmerston North on September 28.