Match Preview: Belgium vs. Romania

2/8/2025 19:00

Stade Charles Tondreau

Ref: Hollie Davidson

Belgium

Rugby Europe Championship

19:00

Round 2

Romania

Holly Davidson will be overseeing what could be the closest tie of the weekend. Belgium put up a dogged performance against Portugal after a fast start from the hosts. Romania on the other hand were on the receiving end of a fast start from Germany but were able to go through the gears and prevent a opening day upset. However, as stated in the Tournament preview article, this group is the closest challenge for all involved. Belgium are no strangers to a upset in Mons against the big boys, and will be looking for Romania to be the next scalp.

Last Match Form

Belgium remain with only one change in their forwards from last week, Jérémie Brasseur dropping out, William Van Bost slotting in at 7 and Thomas De Molder coming into 8. Belgium will be looking to continue with their strong defensive performance last week, especially with Maximilien Hendrickx and Jean - Maurice Decubber lining up anyone and everyone for a tackle. Belgium deploy a rotated backline with only Captin Jens Torfs, Thomas Wallraf and the reliable boot of Hugo De Francq remaining on the starting XV.

Belgium Starters

Charlesty Berguet (loosehead prop)
Alexandre Raynier (hooker)
Maxime Jadot (tighthead prop)
Gillian Benoy (second row)
Maximilien Hendrickx (second row)
Jean-Maurice Decubber (flanker)
William van Bost (flanker)
Thomas de Molder (number eight)
Julien Berger (scrum half)
Hugo de Francq (fly half)
Ervin Muric (left wing)
Jens Torfs (inside centre)
Theo Adaba (outside centre)
Thomas Wallraf (right wing)
Jordan Gott (full back)

Belgium Replacements

Bruno Vliegen (sub 1)
Alexis Cuffolo (sub 2)
Jean-Baptiste de Clercq (sub 3)
Toon Deceuninck (sub 4)
Maxime Vacquier (sub 5)
Florian Remue (sub 6)
Simeon Soenen (sub 7)
Maurice Fromont (sub 8)

Romania will be going to Mons to ensure a clinical display and avoid any hopes of an upset, which could hamper their RWC 2027 qualification. Romania have been forced into swapping out their captain Ovidiu Cojocaru after coming off with a elbow injury last week, but Stefan Buruiana will hold the fort down very well in the scrum. Team of Tournament player Iulian Hartig returns to the bench for Romania to add to their scrummaging arsenal. The back line remains apart from a scrumhalf replacement with Gabriel Rupanu coming in for Alin Conache. Belgium will need to be fully dialled in against this backline, especially when they want to go through the hands and in open play.