Fiji in historic win

Fiji went to Romania for the first time on Saturday and beat the Oaks 29-18 at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf.

The only other times the two teams have met was at the Rugby World Cup in 1991 when Romania won 17-15 in Brive.

Neither side was at full strength because of club commitments.

The Oaks had a good start to the match when fullback  Florin Vlaicu goaled a penalty and then powerful Ovidiu Tonita scored a try to give the home side an 8-0 lead.

Just before half-time the Fijian backs attacked and Vereniki Goneva scored a try converted by the teenage flyhalf Josh Matavesi who was in in the place of Nicky Little who was not available for the match.

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

Fiji took command of the second half and two magnificent counterattack tries clinched the match as they led 29-11 till, with flank Stelian Burcea in the sin bin for a late tackle, prop Bogdan Balan scored a try which Dan Dumbrava converted.

The result was not a good one for Romania who have not had the best of years and would be looking to qualify for the World Cup through the European Nations Cup. At present, at the half-way mark, they are fourth with two wins and three losses, which would put them out of automatic qualification and also out of the possibility of qualifying through répechage.

Scorers:

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

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

Teams

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

Coach: Glen Ella

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

Coach: Serge Lairle

Referee: Jérôme Garces (France)