Ireland, meanwhile, will set out to solidify the good work they produced in dispatching Canada for a half-century of points, negate those Romanian strengths with superior fitness, accuracy, and execution, and give those as yet unused players a first World Cup outing.
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Even starting one-cap flyhalf Michael Wiringi, Romania will field its most experienced Rugby World Cup team ever, with 710 caps, 33 more than the run-on team against France.
Meanwhile, Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony and Iain Henderson all missed Ireland’s training session at St George’s Park as a precaution due to minor knocks, but they are all expected to be fit for Sunday. White’s selection allows Mike Ross a rare weekend off with Tadhg Furlong named among the replacements, where Sean Cronin continues as hooker with Rory Best rested.
Healy was seriously gassed after his 30 minute cameo against Canada.
“Keith feels that now that he’s back involved in the Irish squad, he wants to get a bit of rhythm, trying to make sure he’s in synch with what the other players are doing”.
“Well Eoin Reddan has probably contributed to that!” he laughed, with 34-year-old Reddan sitting beside him at the team announcement. Tommy Bowe could do with rediscovering his form, too, if he is to have any hope in featuring in the business end of the tournament.
Donnacha Ryan’s late resurgence, not to mention his ability to play blindside, has heaped further pressure on Toner, but Schmidt expects a big reaction from the 29-year-old in London.
Ireland were satisfied with their performance against Canada in Cardiff on Saturday after losing warm-up games to Wales and England.
Schmidt’s 12 changes to the side that played Canada include Darren Cabe coming in for Luke Fitzgerald who played Canada.
Centre Henshaw, who formed a strong midfield partnership with Jared Payne during this year’s Six Nations campaign, has been Ireland’s only injury concern, with a tight hamstring, but will be ready for Italy on October 5. Jordi Murphy and Chris Henry also come into the side.
Romania lost out 38-11 to France at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday and will be pressed into action only four days later against Ireland.
Ian Madigan will start at flyhalf with Paddy Jackson certain to get time from the bench – with Madigan potentially shifted to scrum-half durign the game.
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Jared Payne is retained at 13, while Darren Cave can stake his claim as back-up for the 12 jersey.
