Rugby: Romania scrape 14-10 over battling Portugal

Romania's Julian Dumitras (C) escapes Portugal's Pedro Leal. Photo / Reuters

TOULOUSE - Romania narrowly avoided a huge upset when two tries in the last half hour gave them a 14-10 win over Portugal's remarkable amateurs in their World Cup Pool C match today.

Portugal, who scored a try in each of their four matches, earned their first World Cup bonus point for the narrow loss.

Portugal were 7-0 up at halftime after hooker Joaquim Ferreira went over from a lineout and first five eighth Duarte Cardoso Pinto converted.

Romania levelled the score past the hour when replacement hooker Marius Tincu went over also from a lineout and halfback Valentin Calafeteanu converted.

Replacement first five Goncalo Malheiro restored Portugal's lead with a penalty but Romania grabbed the win with Florin Coeodeanu's late try, converted by first five eighth Dan Dumbrava.

- REUTERS