RWC: Romania Stun Canada In Pool D

Romania have beaten Canada by 17-15 in a tense Rugby World Cup encounter at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

Canada dominated the first half with over 60% of the possession and territory but could only score through winger DTH van der Merwe, his fourth try of the tournament. Gordon McRorie added a penalty for Canada to lead 8-0 at half-time.

Canada extended their lead early in the second half after winger Jeff Hassler dotted down. The try was converted by flyhalf Nathan Hirayama for a 15-0 lead.

Finally, Romania were spurred into action, using their powerful pack to excellent effect, forcing a rolling maul over from over 20m out. Captain Mihai Macovei was credited with the score which centre Florin Vlaicu converted.

A spirited Canadian defence held out on wave after wave of Romanian attacks but then lost flanker Jebb Sinclair to the sin-bin in the 71st minute when he collapsed a maul. Macovei forced his way over for his second of the match, again converted by Vlaicu. The Canadians now lead by a single point with six minutes left on the clock.

The loss of Sinclair took its toll as a massive Romanian scrum then a penalty on the Canadian 10m line. A calm Vlaicu stepped up to send the ball through the middle of the uprights giving Romania an incredible come from behind win.