Palmy crowd gets into spirit of Rugby World Cup game

Georgia's Levan Datunashvili attempts to shakes off Romania's Daniel Carpo. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The people of Manawatu embraced the occasion, no matter the result when Georgia met Romania in Palmerston North last night.

A near sell-out crowd for a game between sides ranked 14th and 18th in the world respectively was never going to be a major drawcard on the calendar, but the fans turned out anyway.

Even eight street signs in Palmerston North took on a change - major thoroughfare Fitzherbert Avenue was given a temporary posting as "Fitzylvania Street"; a cheeky play on the Romanian region Transylvania.

With every half break, missed tackle or chance gone begging the crowd cheered along and appeared to make the most of the experience.

For the record Georgia won 25-9, and will likely claim fourth place in Pool B, which also featured Argentina, England and Scotland.

The match was Romania's last game and marked the end of their World Cup, while Georgia plays Argentina at the same venue on Sunday.

The first half was a forward-dominated arm wrestle as both sides tried to gain the upper hand.

Georgia showed a bit more intent to move the ball during the opening spell, but they failed to click into gear.

The boot of Georgian first-five Merab Kvirikashvili edged his team in front as the left-footed 27-year-old took advantage of Romania's continual infringing.

Things didn't open up during the first part of the second spell either as both sides showed their desperation to register a rare World Cup victory.

Georgian openside flanker Mamuka Gorgodze crashed over the line from close range in the 56th minute and Kvirikashvili's conversion gave them an winning advantage.

The pivot added another penalty and finished his night with five goals from seven attempts, while his Romanian opposite Marin Danut Dumbrava scored all of his team's points with three penalties.

Veteran Romanian hooker Marius Tincu earned his 50th cap during the game.

Georgia 25 (Mamuka Gorgodze try; Merab Kvirikashvili 5 pens, con, Malkhaz Urjukashvili pen)

Romania 9 (Marin Danut Dumbrava 3 pens)
HT: 12-6

GEORGIA 25
ROMANIA 9