It was Romania’s first win over the Canadians in three World Cup meetings and overshadowed the feat of DTH van der Merwe who made it a full house of tries against their pool opponents.
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Canada played the last eight minutes with a man down after flanker Jebb Sinclair was sin-binned, and paid a serious price for it. “It’s that important”, coach Lynn Howells said.
Romania, however, made the most of their pronounced forward superiority and hit back with converted scores from captain and number eight Mihai Macovei in the 53rd and 74th minutes to get within a point.
Canada’s scrum was penalized in the 78th minute Vlaicu, under vast pressure, nailed his kick cleanly through the posts to send the Romania fans into delirious celebrations.
The former Wales assistant coach has agreed a new deal to continue coaching the Oaks, and will now look to end the World Cup on a high.
Although hopes of progression to the quarter-finals were washed away in defeats by France and Ireland, the victory meant the Romanians can still finish third in the pool and qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
“The players have worked hard, and now it’s time to go and produce a result and for the players to go out and play their best rugby”, said Howells, 65, whose coaching experience includes Cardiff, Celtic Warriors, Leonessa and Edinburgh. “Romania deserved to win”.
Wily New Zealander Kieran Crowley drew an inspired performance from his team in the 23-18 defeat by Italy but another tight turnaround after the loss to France will again test the fitness of his players and the depth of the squad.
Canada extended their lead early in the second half after winger Jeff Hassler dotted down.
Romania cleared their lines and attacked nearly immediately, with centre Paula Kinikinilau making a surging run down the left but his pass inside was cut out and Canada were spared.
However, from then on it was all Romania.
“It’s about just calming everything down and just realising what we have to do and that’s the biggest thing, not to worry too much about the game but worry about what you can fetch to the game”.
The Canadians will rue being unable to make the most of the string of scoring chances in the first half and the inaccuracy with the boot of halfback Gordon McRorie, who missed two penalties and a conversion. Florin Vlaciu kicked every Romanian point in both the 21-20 win in 2013, and the 18-9 victory in 2014. “They’ll have a beer but it won’t be to any great extent”.
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But Canada and Italy remain a tough proposition, although Howells is hopeful Romania can upset Canada at Leicester City Stadium on Tuesday to kick-start their tournament.
