A first, then, for Ireland as they line out in Bucharest's National Stadium this afternoon (noon Irish time) intent on enhancing what has been a respectable record against Romania. The difficult part for the squad, as coach Warren Gatland acknowledged, has been approaching this unusual trip with the same rigorous professionalism as underlined their now distant Six Nations wins against Italy and France.
The success with which they manage this will be reflected in the manner of their performance - Ireland not only want to win but win with some polish. A high score is not the sole objective but should feature if Ireland's expansive game plan is clinically executed.
"I think the two go hand in hand, we want to move the ball quickly and run it and I think that this game will be conducive to that," Gatland said after watching the squad go through a light training session yesterday.
The 80 minutes are potentially vital to a number of the Irish players. Much of the focus will be on Geordan Murphy at full back and Kevin Maggs will also be keen to remind the selectors of his considerable presence in the centre.
The in-form David Humphreys, who marshalled Dungannon's AIL success last week, assumes control of the number 10 shirt in Ronan O'Gara's absence. Although the Ulsterman's contribution from the bench has been a vital component of Ireland's reversal in fortunes over the past two seasons, he too will be anxious to demonstrate his ability to control the tempo of a match from the outset.
Peter Stringer's lightning delivery promises an active afternoon for the backs and those who turn out for the match - the Romanian Rugby Federation are making predictions of about 10,000 - will hopefully witness the fruits of Eddie O'Sullivan's back-line geometry.
Home coach Mircea Parashiv yesterday alluded to his hopes that his team could spring a surprise and noted the spirit in the squad has improved dramatically since their disastrous loss against Georgia in April.
The inclusion of the Frenchbased number eight Florin Corodeanu and full-back Gabriel Brezoianu lends a degree of experience to what is fundamentally a raw home-side. Star turn Alexandro Manta, based with Stade Aurillacois, is excluded after a show of indiscipline against Georgia and captain Miru Petre is injured.
With temperatures expected to be warm, Ireland will probably run the bench freely, easing David Wallace back into competitive rugby and also perhaps giving Shane Byrne his long awaited first cap.
That Ireland will win has to be taken for granted. But it is the substance behind the victory that will count. It is only three years since Romania ran seven tries past the Irish. Both teams' fortunes have altered radically since and the visitors could better their previous best score of 60 points against Romania, achieved in 1986.
It will not be the most thrillingly atmospheric of tests for the visiting squad, but it is a welcome chance to play at international level again.
TEAM SELECTIONS
IRELAND: G Murphy (Leicester); D Hickie (St Mary's), M Mullins (Young Munster), K Maggs (Bath), T Howe (Dungannon); D Humphreys (Dungannon), P Stringer (Shannon); P Clohessy (Young Munster), F Sheehan (Cork Constitution), J Hayes (Shannon); M Galwey (Shannon, capt), G Longwell (Ballymena), E Miller (Terenure), K Daw- son (London Irish), A Foley (Shannon). Replacements: J Fitzpatrick (Dungannon), S Byrne (Blackrock), M O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution), D Wallace (Garryowen), G Easterby (Llanelli), P Burke (Harlequins).
ROMANIA: G Brezoianu; V Maftei, V Ghioc, O Nicolae; I Tofan, L Sarbu; S Demci, P Balan, M Socaciu, M Dragomir, D Iacob, C Mersoiu, F Corodeanu.
