Scotland avoid major World Cup upset

Mike Blair of Scotland scores a try in the tackle of Daniel Carpo of Romania. Photo / Getty Images

Scotland 34 Romania 24

Impatient, hasty and mostly underwhelming. That about sums up Scotland's first effort at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The Scots won their opening match, beating Romania 34-24 at Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill this afternoon.

But the victory would have done little to impress the rest of its pool B rivals. Scotland's scrum was second rate, even third rate at times. Their basic skills were sloppy at best, and the Scots looked too eager, blowing some clear scoring opportunities.

Romania, for their part, out enthused the Scots. They were tenacious on defence and the longer the game went on, the better they looked, particularly in the forward exchanges.

With nine minutes remaining the sides were level 24-24. Scotland needed a hero and up stepped No 8 Richie Vernon with a scorching run down the sideline, a big hand off and fantastic pass to winger Simon Danielli to set up the match-winning try.

Danielli found himself at the end of the chain minutes later to score another and stretch the lead to 10 points.

Had Romania not lack a little imagination in the backs and got off to a better start, the result may well have beeen different.

A crowd of 12500 watched as Scotland inside centre Sean Lamont easily handed off his opponent in the open minute and charged up field.

Romania managed to close the move down but not without conceding an early penalty.

Scotland halfback Mike Blair scored the game's first try. His side attacked down the left flank, getting the ball to lively winger Danielli who swerved and jigged his way in field before off -loading to Blair.

Scotland centre Joe Ansbro put his side further ahead, barging and stepping his way to the line on a 20m run.

Romania clawed their way back into the contest, capitalising on some handing errors and some strong scrummaging.

Had a chip ahead not broke suddenly to the left, winger Stefan Ciunti would have almost certainly scored. Instead the ball rolled harmlessly in to touch. The danger, though, was far from over.

Romania rumbled up field through their forward pack and eventually big prop Mahhaiti Lazar got the ball over the chalk.

Trailing 18-11, the sides traded penalties but it was Romania who appeared hungrier. They kept the ball tight an built enormous pressure through rugged forward play.

When No 8 Danial Carpo picked up and drove the ball over from a powerful scrum, a boil over seemed on the cards.

Scotland 34 (Simon Danielli 2, Mike Blair, Joe Ansbro tries; Chris Paterson 4 penalties, conversion), Romania 24 (Mihaita Lazar, Daniel Carpo tries; Danut Dumbrava 2 penalties, Tiberius Dimofte 2 penalties, conversion). HT: 18-11.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES