🏆 Sports

Romania claims thrilling victory over Samoa in Nations Cup

19 Jul 2026, 22:30

In a nail-biting match, Romania triumphed over Samoa with a score of 38-37, marking their first victory in the Nations Cup. The decisive try came in the third minute of injury time, turning the game around after Romania was trailing 37-33.

The match took place in Montevideo during the third round of the Nations Cup. Samoa had been leading comfortably with a score of 31-14 just half an hour before the end, but Romania showed remarkable resilience by scoring four tries during that period.

The final score highlighted Romania's determination and teamwork. Nicolas Onuțu, Iliesa Tiqe, Marius Simionescu, and Cristi Boboc each contributed a try, while Alexandru Savin scored two more. Alin Conache converted three tries, and Gabriel Rupanu added one conversion, showcasing a strong collective effort.

This victory propels Romania to fourth place in the Europe-Africa-Asia group, with a total of nine points. Their journey in the tournament continues, with three more rounds scheduled for November, where Romania will play at home against the United States, Canada, and Tonga.

In previous matches, Romania faced tough challenges, including a loss to Chile (31-47) and a draw with Uruguay (36-36). Nevertheless, this win has boosted their spirits and moved them up one spot to 21st in the World Rugby rankings.

The upcoming matches in November will be crucial for Romania as they aim to climb higher in the standings. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are hopeful for continued progress in the competition.