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Socol is in a relaxed and confident mood ahead of the World Cup
Sorin Socol has gradually relaxed into the role of Romanian captain and is now ready to lead his side into action with a third place pool finish the goal.
Socol made his World Cup debut against Australia in 2003, along with ten other current Romanian players, feels this World Cup is "normal".
"I felt good about things in the world cup in Australia in 2003, but now I'm thinking a lot more good things about my team. Now, I think I've perfected it," he told IRB.
Playing for Pau in southern France, Socol is no stranger to the atmosphere he and his side will encounter over the coming weeks.
The 29-year-old second row, who arrived in France on Wednesday along with his team-mates, feels like he is at home again.
"Well, it is my home - Romania is my second home," he laughs.
"I've been here for 12 years. It's a great pleasure to be in my land - and I hope my team feels like me, so voila."
Romania open their campaign against Italy on September 12 and Socol is enthusiastic about finally getting stuck in.
"We've waited a long time and I hope we have a great game," he said.
"We've really made progress in the last two or three years. In the game though, anything is possible. A lot of my team, like a lot of the Italians, play here in France, so anything can happen.
"We are talented and strong - there may be some points to work on to get better and stronger - but I hope it pays off."
Socol is fully confident his side can beat Italy and Portugal, but admits they face a stern test if they are to upset Scotland at Murrayfield.
"We think we can beat Italy and Portugal. But when we play Scotland, it's in Scotland, so they will have 16 players on the field - their 15 and the home crowd," he concluded.
He didn't mention their final game against New Zealand.
