Romania See off Argentina XV to Win Nations Cup

At home in Bucharest this afternoon Romania saw off the Argentina XV to win the 2016 Nations Cup title. The battle was won up front with Romania’s pack proving the South Americans with all kinds of problems. The Oaks 20-8 victory means Romania completing a perfect campaign.

The Felipe Contepomi coached Argentina XV did not have a positive start to the match. Disorganization on the part of the visitors simplified Romania’s task and saw the home side going out 10-0 at the game’s midway point.

Scoring the only try of the opening half was hooker Andrei Radoi. The kicking accuracy of veteran inside center Florin Vlaicu continued as he converted the try and also added a first half penalty to give Romania a clear advantage.

Romania started the second half just as strongly, doubling their lead to 20-0. Former Saracens fullback Catalin Fercu crossed for a second half try which Vlaicu converted in addition to adding a second penalty.

Needing three tries to win the fixture the deficit was to great for the Argentina XV. Eventually replacement loosehead prop Franco Brarda crossed to get the visitors on the board. His try was converted by fly half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla.

SCORERS
ROMANIA
Try: Radoi, Fercu
Conversion: Vlaicu (2)
Penalty: Vlaicu (2)

ARGENTINA XV
Try: Brarda
Conversion: Díaz Bonilla

ROMANIA
1 Constantin Pristavita, 2 Andrei Radoi, 3 Alexandru Tarus, 4 Johan Van Heerden, 5 Marius Antonescu, 6 Dorin Lazar, 7 Viorel Lucaci, 8 Stelian Burcea (capt.), 9 Valentin Calafeteanu, 10 Jody Rose, 11 Adrian Apostol, 12 Florin Vlaicu, 13 Jack Umaga, 14 Nicolas Onutu, 15 Catalin Fercu

ARGENTINA XV
1 Carlos Muzzio, 2 Santiago Iglesias Valdez, 3 Lucas Martínez, 4 Sacha Casañas, 5 Pedro Ortega, 6 Santiago Montagner, 7 Lautaro Bavaro, 8 Santiago Portillo, 9 Felipe Ezcurra (capt.), 10 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 11 Franco Cuaranta, 12 Joaquín Paz, 13 Juan Cappiello, 14 Sebastián Cancelliere, 15 Pedro Mercerat