Tonga beat Romania 43-38 as Tuitavuki scores in Bucharest

The match at the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf was the highest-scoring meeting between the two sides.

Both teams scored six tries, but Tonga secured a fourth win over Romania in seven meetings. The victory was also Tonga’s second from four rounds of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup.

Tonga captain Fetuli Paea said: “Full credit to our boys. They dominated the middle and it's always tough against Romania in front of their crowd, but we got the win.”

Romania started quickly after the president of Romania, Nicușor Dan, met both teams before kick-off.

Marius Simionescu opened the scoring for the hosts, using footwork to get over the line.

Tonga responded through second-row Veikoso Poloniati, who crossed in the left corner after work from Tuitavuki.

The visitors then scored twice in quick succession midway through the first half. Full-back Taniela Filimone broke through Romania’s defence before setting up winger John Tapueluelu to score in the right corner.

Romania recovered with two tries before half-time. Prop Iulian Hartig broke from a rolling maul to score, before hooker Tudor Butnariu crossed in a similar move.

Patrick Pellegrini added a scrum penalty and Tonga led 22-17 at the interval. Pellegrini finished with 13 points from the boot.

Tonga extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Tuitavuki caught and grounded Pellegrini’s chip for the visitors’ fourth try and a bonus point.

Romania answered through second-row Logan Weidner, who scored their fourth try and their third from a maul.

Debutant Efitusi Maafu then crossed for Tonga’s fifth try. Romania replied again, with prop Gheorghe Gajion scoring after coming on to the bench as a late call-up.

Gajion had been brought into the matchday squad after Jean Pierre Smith replaced Cosmin Manole.

Tomaakino Taufa gave Tonga more room with their sixth try, but Gajion scored again for Romania to make it 43-38.

The hosts pushed for a late equaliser, but Tonga held on to complete their second win in the competition.

Tuitavuki’s try continued his run of scoring in six consecutive games. Tonga’s result also ended their wait for a first victory in Romania since 2017.