Italy vs Romania RWC 2015 preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

​A look ahead to the Pool D fixture at Sandy Park

(AFP/Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Romania: With Georgia showing how much they have improved over the years and calls for an overhaul of the Six Nations, Romania have a fantastic chance to show they are just as good as the top European teams. A second tier Six Nations could be created if Romania manage to make their way into the next World Cup.

Teams...

Italy: Luke McLean; Leonardo Sarto, Michele Capagnaro, Tommaso Benvenuti, Giovanbattista Venditti; Tommaso Allan, Edoardo Gori; Alessandro Zanni, Simone Favaro, Francesco Minto; Josh Furno, Quentin Geldenhuys (capt); Lorenzo Cittadini, Andrea Manici, M Aguero.

Replacements: Davide Giazzon, Alberto De Marchi, Dario Chistolini, Valerio Bernabo, Samuela Vunisa, Guglielmo Palazzani, Carlo Canna, Enrico Bacchin.

Romania: Catalin Fercu, Madalin Lemnaru, Paula Kinikinilau, Florin Vlaicu, Ionut Botezatu; Michael Wiringi, Valentin Calafeteanu; Daniel Carpo, Viorel Lucaci, Valentin Ursache (capt); Johannes van Heerden, Valentin Poparlan; Paulica Ion, Otar Turashvili, Mihaita Lazar.

Replacements: Andrei Radoi, Andrei Ursache, Horatiu Pungea, Marius Antonescu, Stelian Burcea, Tudorel Bratu, Adrian Apostol, Csaba Gal.

Weird stat…

577 - 612. This is the number of points Italy and Romania have scored over the 41 games they have played since 1934. Interestingly, despite Romania scoring more points, they have lost 22 matches and drawn three.

Remember when…

Romania set up this match? In a highly charged game, Romania came from 15 points down at the fifty minute mark to record a stunning victory of 17-15. This now has set up Sunday’s fixture as a sudden death for 3rd place.

Player to watch…

Tommaso Allan: The former Scotland Under 20’s fly half switched allegiance (and name from “Tommy”) last year and has worked his way into the national consciousness. His kicking form is impeccable and has kept the Italians in close contests against Ireland and Canada.

Past three-meetings…

Italy 24 (Dellapè, Penalty try) – Romania 18 (Manta, Tincu) Rugby World Cup pool game September 2007

Romania 25 – Italy 24

Romania 17 – Italy 25

Form guide…

Italy: LLLLWL

Romania: WWLLLW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 2.30pm Sunday, 11 October.

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV.