"I'm pleased to play in my first World Cup here," he said. "It is the home of rugby. It was a special moment for me when we played Scotland in Invercargill."
It is the second visit to New Zealand for Carpo. He played in a tournament in Auckland and Wellington in 2008.
He learned a lot from the first two games against Scotland and Argentina.
"You must focus on the game," he said. "If you let your guard down you will be punished. It happened to us against Argentina."
Argentina won 43-8.
These two games highlighted an important need for Carpo.
"We need hard games," he said.
"For 60% or 70% of our players it was their most important competition and hardest games."
The best Romanian players are not challenged when they play in the European competition against Spain and Portugal, which are not top-level teams.
"It would help if the big nations played matches against us," he said.
Carpo (26) made his international debut against Spain in Madrid in 2008 and has played 34 tests for his country.
He started playing rugby at high school as a 14-year-old. He lives in a small town that borders the Black Sea.
He was like most Romanian rugby players who start the game in their first year at high school.
"It was a choice between rugby and tennis," he said. "I chose rugby because it was a cheaper sport."
Carpo enjoys the physical side of rugby and fighting for the ball at the breakdown.
"You must play intelligently and be disciplined," he said.
He gained his first test cap at the age of 24 and has been a regular member of the Romanian team for the past two years.
Carpo thought it was a bit late but with his intense ambition and hard work he made the grade and was selected in the World Cup squad.
The 34-24 loss to Scotland in the opening round proved Romania could be competitive, and also provided highlights for Carpo and a team-mate.
"It was the most important game for me. Me and my room-mate Mihaita Lazar both scored tries," he said. "It was a special moment."
The player Carpo has admired most as a loose forward is All Black captain Richie McCaw.
"I started at No 7 and when I put on weight I moved to No 8," he said. "I admire Richie McCaw. He is the complete player. I like his style."
Carpo and the Oaks now face their toughest test when they play England at Otago Stadium on Saturday night.