Romania lose trio to injury ahead of World Cup including Mihai Macovei

Experienced back row Mihai Macovei is one of three Romania players who have dropped out of their World Cup squad due to injury.

The Oaks are Ireland's first Pool B opponents on Saturday week.

Macovei, out-half Mihai Mureșan and full-back Paul Popoaia suffered injuries in the recent 57-7 defeat to Italy and in training.

Named as a vice-captain of the World Cup squad, Macovei, 36, who spent much of his career at Colomiers in France, had 104 caps and suffered a calf injury.

Twenty-year-old Muresan has won three caps but misses out after breaking his arm against Italy.

Popoaia, 23, has 13 caps and injured his shoulder.

Andre Gorin, Lama Sioeli and Taliauli Sikuea have been called up in their place.

Romania are ranked 19th in the world and have lost all three August Tests: 31-17 to the USA, 56-6 to Georgia and 57-7 to Italy.

Forwards: Alexandru Savin (CSA Steaua), Gheorghe Gajion (Stade Montois), Thomas Crețu (Stade Francais), Alexandru Gordaș (CS Dinamo), Costel Burțilă (RC Hyères Carqueiranne La Crau), Iulian Hartig (RC Bassin d' Arcachon), Ovidiu Cojocaru (CS Dinamo), Robert Irimescu (CSM Știința Baia Mare), Florin Bárdașu (CSA Steaua), Adrian Motoc (Biarritz Olympique), Marius Iftimiciuc (US Carcassonne), Ștefan Iancu (CSM Baia Mare Science), Cristi Chirica (CS Dinamo) (capt), Andre Gorin (RC Hyères Carqueiranne La Crau), Vlad Neculau (SCM USV Timișoara), Dragoș Ser (CSA Steaua), Cristi Boboc (CSA Steaua), Florian Roșu (CSM Baia Mare Science), Damian Strătilă (CSA Steaua)

Backs: Gabriel Rupanu (SCM USV Timișoara), Florin Surugiu (CSA Steaua), Alin Conache (SCM USV Timișoara), Gabriel Pop (CS Dinamo), Sioeli Lama (unattached), Tudor Boldor ( CS Dinamo), Nicolas Onuțu (CS Vienne), Marius Simionescu (SCM USV Timișoara), Tangimana