Romania edge out Tonga

Romania recorded an historic victory to kicking off their November campaign, beating Tonga 19-18 in a hard-fought contest in Bucharest on Saturday.

Romania have not lost a Test match in 2013, winning seven out of eight and drawing 9-9 with Georgia in March.

In the first ever Test match between the nations, Tonga — who play France on Saturday — outscored their hosts two tries to one, but paid for their poor discipline as they were punished by the boot on Romanian centre Florin Vlaicu.

The game was level 6-6 at the interval with Tonga fly-half Fangatapu 'Apikatoa trading kicks with Vlaicu.

The 'Ikale Tahi scored both their tries in the second half via full-back Lilo Vungakoto and winger Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Romania managed only one try from number eight Mihai Macovei but Vlaicu's four successful penalties proved enough, despite the hosts conceding two yellow cards.

Tonga have only ever won twice against European nations during European Tours.  These were against Portugal 24-19 in Lisbon in 2009 and last year against Scotland 21-15 in Aberdeen.

Romania host Canada on Saturday while Tonga will play France in Le Havre before facing Wales in Cardiff on November 22.

The scorers:

For Romania:
Try:  Macovei
Cons:  Vlaicu
Pens:  Vlaicu 4
Drops:
Yellow cards:  Vlaicu;  Macovei

For Tonga:
Tries:  Vungakoto, Vainikolo
Cons:  'Apikotoa
Pens:  'Apikotoa 2

Romania:  15 Catalin Fercu, 14 Ionut Dumitru, 13 Csaba Gal, 12 Florin Vlaicu, 11 Stephen Hihetah, 10 Vali Calafeteanu, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Mihai Macovei (c), 7 Valentin Ursache, 6 Viorel Lucaci, 5 Marius Sirbe, 4 Valentin Poparlan, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Otar Turashvili, 1 Mihai Lazar.
Replacements:  16 Eugen Capatana, 17 Constantin Pristavita, 18 Horatiu Pungea, 19 Alin Coste, 20 Dorin Lazar, 21 Cristian Dinis, 22 Catalin Dascalu, 23 Dorin Manole.

Tonga:  15 Lilo Vungakoto, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, 9 Tomasi Palu, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu Langilangi (c), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Uli Kolo'ofai, 4 Lua Lokotui, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 Taione Vea, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements:  16 Suliasi Taufalele, 17 Eddie Aholelei, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Opeti Fonua, 20 Viliami Fainga'a, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 David Halaifonua Tonga.

Venue:  Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Referee:  Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)