Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien is expecting a strong challenge from Romania's forwards in the countries' Rugby World Cup Pool D clash on Sunday (4.45pm).
Head coach Joe Schmidt is expected to make widespread changes to the side that demolished Canada in Ireland's Pool opener in a bid to give all 31 members of his squad some game time.
"Obviously, it [the challenge] will be the set-piece," O'Brien told RTÉ Sport. "They have a big, strong pack.
"There are quality players throughout as well. Some of them are playing in France, some of them have been around a long time.
"In some of their pre-season friendlies they've done a job on other teams around their scrums and line-outs so that's a big asset they have and one that we'll have to try and stop."
"Competition for places is still very competitive. Lads want to play and that's what they're here to do, so whoever is selected this weekend will have an opportunity to go out there and express themselves and hopefully perform well.
"Training has been very good and sharp as well so lads are champing at the bit to get out and play as well."
Romania will face Ireland just four days after opening their campaign against France tomorrow night, with some suggestions the tournament schedule is unfair to the lower-tier nations.
"We've a lot still to give. We put some nice things together last weekend but there's plenty more to come I'm hoping.
"It's the structure of the tournament but it's probably a disadvantage to them in some ways," agreed O'Brien.
"Obviously, having played [twice within] four days in an international environment is not ideal but that's the way it is and I'm sure they'll plan and prepare as best as possible for the following game."
Carlow native also O'Brien paid tribute to the Irish fans, who filled the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff close to capacity last weekend, and suggested Ireland would improve as the tournament progresses.
"The weekend showed us exactly the type of following we have," he said. "When we left the hotel and went around the corner, it was pretty special to see the amount of green jerseys there.
"Especially for the start of the tournament. We kind of knew, later on, they'd be over, but to start that way was brilliant for the players."
"We've a lot still to give. We put some nice things together last weekend but there's plenty more to come I'm hoping.
"There's a good buzz and excitement around the place so it's all good from that end."
Meanwhile, Ireland defensive coach Les Kiss is delighted with CIan Healy's progress after the loosehead prop made his first appearance in a green jersey since March in last weekend's win over Canada.
The Leinster man came through 20 minutes unscathed and is now pushing to start against Romania.
"I think he was good and he enjoyed it," said Kiss. "Your first game after a while is always a bit of a shock to the body but he's actually fine. He's in good spirits and jumping around.
"He's been hanging around us [the management] a bit so that's a good sign, he wants to play.
"He's been preparing well and his fitness is reasonably good. We just held him back purposely to make sure he was good. He's raring [to go]."
