KEY POINTS:
In the interests of balanced rugby World Cup coverage, the Weekend Herald interviews New Zealanders with a connection to the All Blacks' opponents each weekend of the campaign. Today: D'Angelo Valentin from Romania.
How long have you been in New Zealand, and what do you do?
I have been here for 10 years, and I am an artist.
Do you feel any conflict of interest or emotion when the All Blacks play Romania?
None at all. Even though I played rugby in Bucharest when I was in the Romanian Army, and later when I was in my hometown by the Black Sea, I always supported the All Blacks. I am like a sheikh with many wives, loving them all. That's how I feel about the All Blacks.
What will the score be? Any predictions?
I think the All Blacks will beat Romania by 60, 80, 90 points. Not over 100, I hope, but I think it might go that high.
Do many people play rugby in Romania?
Only the elite, really, and students, and the Army of course. After the revolution all the good players went to France.
What is unique about the Romanian style of rugby?
They are more romantic, whereas the All Blacks are more pragmatic. Romanians like to make a spectacle in the maul.
