Romania centre Taylor Gontineac holds a particular connection to the Rugby World Cup, as his dad and mom truly met after his father performed for Romania in opposition to his mom’s native South Africa within the 1995 World Cup. This household historical past provides an additional layer of significance to Gontineac’s expertise enjoying in opposition to South Africa in Bordeaux. He sees it as a tribute to his household and a beautiful feeling to observe in his father’s footsteps. Gontineac’s father, Romeo Gontineac, continued his rugby profession in France, the place Taylor was born, raised, and at present performs for Rouen Normandie. Each father and son misplaced to South Africa of their respective World Cups, however Romeo can boast that his Romania facet fared higher with a 21-8 defeat, in comparison with Taylor’s 76-0 thrashing. This distinctive household connection provides an emotional ingredient to Gontineac’s World Cup journey.