Ireland and Romania's first ever meeting was at Lansdowne Road in November 1986. The home side scored 10 tries on their way to a 60-nil victory. The teams have met twice at the World Cup before. Ireland won both and scored 5 tries in each.

This year's tournament has had a few upsets none bigger than Japan's victory over South Africa, but Irish players know that can't underperform under Joe Schmidt.  The front liners wrapped up the bonus point win before half time against Canada in Cardiff. Most of those have been rested and replaced by a hungry dozen. Each of the 12 knows this could be the last opportunity to launch themselves into the mix for the bigger tests to come.

Among those are Tommy Bowe, Devin Toner and Cian Healy. They are all multiple Six Nations winners and each needs a big performance to ensure their place in Joe's plans for Italy and France.

Romania gave the French a scare or two during the week, they certainly have strenghts.  They will want the game to be about trench warfare, a slow 'start stop' encounter where their big men can get their breath back.

Pace is the way to neutralise that. Ireland came out of the blocks quick against Canada. The match is taking place on a hard fast football pitch. Ireland have been training on a replica of that all week at St Georges' Park National Training Ground just outside Burton upon Trent. Even the eve of match Captain's Run was held at pace.

A record 90,000 fans are due to attend this match at Wembley.  Most expect to celebrate an Irish win. It is Joe Schmidt's expectations the players will want  to meet.