Ireland are expected to start their long hard season with a handsome victory over Romania at Thomond Park on Saturday.

It is the first international in the city of Limerick since Wales visited the old cricket ground along the Ennis Road over a century ago.

It was a sensible move to take the game to the provinces rather than the half-empty stadium that one would find at a non-competitive international in Dublin.

The Munster crowd will add their own special brand of atmosphere, particularly when one of their own is captain.

Unbeaten run

Anthony Foley has taken on the mantle of skipper after Keith Wood's withdrawal following the death of his brother.

Many will see Ireland's start to a 14-game international season as a cosy run-in to their World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Russia at the end of the month.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has left no stones unturned for the months ahead, and he will want an impressive preparatory outings.

With seven weeks intensive preparation behind them, Ireland should continue their unbeaten run against a side who on their day saw off both Wales and Scotland.

In five matches the closest Romania managed was a 25-3 lose at Lansdowne Road in 1993.

Those days were good, but, however, have long passed and their 134-0 drubbing by England a year ago, saw them as the laughing stockmen of Europe.

But there's a new regime in charge of Europe's poorest relation, and they mean business.

Despite a crippling economy, players defecting and a general malaise in the game, Romanian rugby is rising from the ashes - and quickly too.