Fiji win in Romania

Fiji visited Romania for the first time on Saturday and scored a 29-18 at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest.

The match was played in chilly 11 degrees in the Romanian capital.  The sides have only ever met once before, when Romania won 17-15 in Brive at the Rugby World Cup in 1991

With neither side at full strength due to club commitments with the Fijians missing the services of Deacon Manu, Nicky Little, Seremaia Bai and Mosese Rauluni.

Fiji outscored their hosts four tries to two with teenage fly-half Josh Mataves adding three conversions and a penalty.

The hosts moved into an 8-0 lead thanks to a penalty from full-back Florin Vlaicu and a try from Ovidiu Tonita.

Fiji replied with a try from Vereniki Goneva just before half time.

Vlaicu landed a second penalty to put Romania ahead 11-7 at the break.

The second half belonged to Fiji however as two fantastic counter attacks gave them a 29-11 lead.

Romania fought back as prop Bogdan Balan scored a try despite flank Stelian Burcea being sent to the sin bin for a late tackle

The result caps a bad year for Romania who are yet to qualify for the World Cup.  Their hopes of doing so rest with success in the European Nations Cup.

Scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Goneva, Naikadawa, Nagusa, Ratu
Cons:  Matavesi 3
Pen:  Matavesi

For Romania:
Tries:  Tonita, Balan
Con:  Dumbrava
Pens:  Vlaicu 2

Fiji:  15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Semi Tadulala, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Waisale Vatuvoka, 8 Asaeli Boko, 7 Jimilai Naikadawa, 6 Samu Bola, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Apolosi Satala (captain), Capt, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 1 Aisake Tarogi
Replacements:  16 Isireli Ledua, 17 Alefoso Yalayalatabua, 18 Graham Dewes, 19 Viliame Veikoso, 20 Kelemedi Bola, 21 Jonetani Ratu, 22 Nasoni Roko

Romania:  15 Florin Vlaicu, 14 Stefan Ciuntu, 13 Ionut Dimofte, 12 Dan Dumitru, 11 Catalin Nicolae, 10 Iulian Dumitras, 9 Lucian Sirbu, 8 Ovidiu Tonita, 7 Vasile Rus, 6 Stelian Burcea, 5 Augustin Petrichei, 4 Sorin Socol (captain), 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Andrei Radoi, 1 Bogdan Balan
Replacements:  16 Petrisor Toderasc, 17 Bogdan Zebega, 18 Valentin Ursache, 19 Viorel Lucaci, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Csaba Gal, 22 Dan Dumbrava, 23 Mihai Lazar

Referee:  Jérôme Garces (France)