For the better part of a decade Marius Tincu has been the chiseled, hard-nosed grafter that has drawn plaudits and inspired compatriots within his homeland of Romania and beyond. The one player that has truly combined determination, power and genuine skill to become one of the best players in his position in the Northern Hemisphere; and takes over the reigns as captain of his country for the Rugby World Cup, following the former incumbent Sorin Socol's decision to controversially withdraw from the squad in March.
Now 33, Tincu must hold this month's global spectacle in New Zealand as his last meaningful foray in International rugby following a committed career for his country that has seen the hooker capped 46 times, score 14 tries and represent the Oaks at three previous World Cups.
It is a career has been bred and molded in France and taken to the top as a key part of the distinguished Perpignan side that won the French league title in 2009.
Before this rise to glory, Tincu had spells in the domestic lower leagues with La Teste and Rouen before being noticed in Pro D2 “ France's second division “ playing for Section Paloise. He subsequently won his first cap in 2002 after a string of prominent displays for the Pau-based club, despite being an unused member of Romania's World Cup squad for the World Cup in Wales three years previously.
As a result of his impressive performances in the French lower tiers and on the International stage Tincu earned a move to USAP in 2005, and has been a stalwart and mainstay in the first XV ever since; even becoming a dual citizen of Romania and France in 2007.
The expectation put on Tincu to produce lung-busting performances will put added pressure on the experienced hooker, as he will be looked to to replicate the form shown in the higher levels of competition of the Top 14 and Heineken Cup, and utilised as he leads his country into battle with England, Argentina, Scotland and Georgia in Group B.
When likening Tincu with a possibly more recognisable figure in world rugby, you would have to look no further to compare the Romanian with Clermont Auvergne veteran Mario Ledesma, whose star shone particularly brightly at the 2007 World Cup in France. There the wiley Argentine combined courage, dedication and dependable excellence at the set-piece that was an invaluable asset as the Pumas romped to a hugely impressive 3rd placed finish.
Now, Romania cannot possibly expect to compete on the same kind of level that Argentina did four years ago “ going toe-to-toe with the world's greatest teams “ but in their captain they at least have a figurehead who can illustrate similar physical aptitudes and draw from his own experiences against the best players in the world in order to influence and inspire; whilst adding workrate, mobility and unquestioned leadership skills to support the Oaks' fourteen other brave soldiers.
These will be made up from a blend of embattled experience and exuberant youth “ with seasoned Internationals such as Silviu Florea, Ovidiu Tonita and Lucian Sirbu complimented by vigorous and buoyant prospects Floris Vlaicu, Ionel Cazan and Daniel Ianus.
One drawback has been the recent withdrawal from the squad of star winger Catalin Fercu who has stayed at home due to a fear of long-distance flights. Without him Romania are stripped of real pace and threat out wide with the potential to unlock defences, but nonetheless the team is bolstered by the fact that they will be marshalled by one of the nation's most decorated and respected rugby players.
Tincu will undoubtedly look to make his mark on the team and squad as a whole, as well as continuing a commendable World Cup record that saw him play in all four group games and score three tries in 2007; and it is this dogged determination that makes the inspirational hooker the perfect choice to lead Romania into combat on the rugby pitch, starting with Scotland on September 10.