Romania ground out a slogging 14-10 win over brave Portugal for their first win of the Rugby World Cup at Toulouse Stadium in France on Tuesday.
The Romanians fought back from 7-0 down at half-time to overpower the Portuguese through their superior forward pack with two pushover tries to deny the tournament newcomers a prestige win.
Portugal, playing at their first World Cup, looked on track for an upset when hooker Joaquim Ferreira scored a converted try in the 18th minute. But the 15th-ranked Romanians took control of the second half through their heavier forwards wearing down the Portuguese resistance for a dour victory.
Romania monopolised territory and possession in the second term and kept it in the forwards to secure victory, although Portugal came away with a hard-fought bonus point for finishing within seven points.
Romania levelled in the 63rd minute off a line-out and their forwards drove towards the Portuguese line, with replacement prop Marius Tincu touching down to end his side’s 149-minute run without scoring a point.
Portugal edged back in front with a penalty by replacement flyhalf Goncalo Malheiro, but Romania finally hit the front with a try for flanker Florin Corodeanu eight minutes from time.
Scrumhalf Valentin Calafeteanu’s conversion left Portugal needing a try to win.
It was Romania’s fifth victory at the World Cup after beating Zimbabwe (21-20 in 1987), Fiji (17-15 in 1991), the United States (27-25 in 1999) and Namibia (37-7 in 2003), and they have only lost once to Portugal in 13 internationals.
It was a courageous effort from the Portuguese, who have been rapturously received by the fans, competing well against Six Nations teams Scotland and Italy and scoring a coveted try against the New Zealand All Blacks in a 108-13 avalanche. — AFP
