Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has suggested that he is expecting his team to beat Romania, despite making 12 changes from the side who beat Canada last Saturday.
The Six Nations face the Eastern Europeans at Wembley this weekend hoping to keep pace with Pool D leaders France, but saw the Romanians frustrate Les Bleus for long periods at the Olympic Stadium in midweek.
However, while Schmidt is confident of victory, the Ireland boss has revealed that he is unwilling to risk Robbie Henshaw for the game, despite the centre having returned to full training in the latter part of the week.
"There's a realisation from them - particularly after viewing Wednesday evening's game, with Romania playing France - that it's an opportunity, but also a massive responsibility, to ensure that we get the result, and that's going to take a bit of work," he told reporters.
"Robbie is fit to play, but he missed the early part of the week. He is fully running now and we just felt that we would rather not push ahead.
"If you get a re-injury, then you are really in a situation where his World Cup is in doubt. This way we feel that we have taken no risk."
After Romania, Ireland will face Italy in a game that could confirm their quarter-final place, should they beat the Azzurri.
Chris O'Keefe
