Lynn Howells believes victory over Italy at the Rugby World Cup could provide Romania with a golden opportunity to build for the future.

A win would ensure a third-place finish in Pool D which in turn would grant automatic qualification for the 2019 edition of the global tournament in Japan.

Romania have earned plaudits for their style of play and produced a stunning comeback to beat Canada from 15-0 down last time out.

And coach Howells, who signed a two-year contract extension this week, is in no doubt as to the magnitude of Sunday's showdown in Exeter.

"It is one of the most important games we will have played in a long time," the Welshman told a press conference. 

"If we can qualify automatically for the next World Cup we can concentrate on development for the next four years."

Romania will have to make do without captain Mihai Macovei, who lost in his appeal to overturn a two-week ban for a high tackle.

"It's a big loss," Howells conceded. "He's a very good leader and a good player, but it gives another player an opportunity.

"The big part will be the leadership of the team. Valentin Ursache is quite capable and has a good knowledge of the game.

"It's a loss but we can take it."

Italy, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign and coach Jacques Brunel will hope to sign off in style in his last game at the helm.

He too is without a key player as Sergio Parisse (calf) is sidelined, with Alessandro Zanni coming in to replace him.

Brunel has only made one other change from the side beaten by Ireland, with Tommaso Benvenuti coming in at inside centre for Gonzalo Garcia.

Romania's other changes, aside from the banned Macovei being replaced by Daniel Carpo, is a call-up for scrum-half Valentin Calafeteanu in place of the injured Florin Surugiu.

For Italy, failure to stave off defeat would leave them as the only Six Nations side who have to qualify for the next World Cup.