Fercu: Fear of flying

Romania, group rivals of England and Scotland, were forced to call for a replacement after wing Fercu failed to board the team's flight to Christchurch.

Squad vice-captain Cristian Petre said: "I would say more than half the team are angry at him, not just disappointed with him.

"We feel like he just gave up. Some of the team feel like he just abandoned us when we needed him most."

Fercu, who has scored 22 tries in 52 Test appearances for the Oaks, had been in discussions with the Romanian Rugby Federation in the days leading up to their departure.

Petre accepted Fercu had made the only decision he could after failing to overcome his fear of long-haul flights - but not all his Romania team-mates agree.

"If you make someone fly against their will, they could have a panic attack and that would be worse," Petre added.

"A lot of the team don't understand his decision and that's why many are angry at him. They feel like he could have made an effort to try and be with us."

Fercu, 24, has been replaced by Adrian Apostol.

Romania open their Pool B campaign against Scotland at Invercargill's Rugby Park Stadium on September 10.