Argentina have put six tries on Romania to win 43-8 in an end to end match in Invercargill on Saturday.
The match was played in front of a boisterous crowd of over 12,000. Argentina’s large travelling contingent, who drowned out the English in Dunedin, chanting and singing throughout in support of their team to create a excellent atmosphere.
The Pumas hit the ground running, scoring two tries inside the first ten minutes to effectively put the match away before it had even began. Santiago Fernandez scored the first, using his size to barge over from close range. Juan Manuel Leguizamon was the next to go over, running in from 25 meters after some nice continuity.
Romania pulled three points back when Dimofte slotted home a penalty to slow the momentum of the rampaging Pumas.
The relief was momentary for the Romanians however, as Argentina scored their third try when prop Juan Figallo crashed over from a forward drive to extend the lead to 16.
Argentina scored the fourth try which secured them the bonus point when Lucas Gonzalez went over and a big win was definitely on. But just when Argentina thought they would get it all their way, Romania scored their first try through Ionel Cazan which sent the crowd into raptures.
The second half saw Romania stand up and show the type of rugby that will make their supporters proud. Time after time the Pumas attacked the line, and time after time the Romanians repelled them with courageous goal line defence. This was all while down a man after Lazar was sent to the bin for cynical play at the ruck. It took the Pumas 23min to score their fifth try, when Juan Jose Imhoff showed his pace and raced 25 meters to make it 34-8.
Argentina got their sixth and final try from a turnover in his own half. Romania had been hot on attack after some great build-up play, but were unable to capitalise, and after some good work sent Cabello over to finish the scoring.
The win puts Argentina back on track and will give them some confidence heading into their next match which is the big one against Scotland. Romania can hold their heads up high after another good effort. Next for them is a tough game against England.
Argentina 43
Tries: Fernandez, Leguizamon, Figallo, Amorosino, Imhoff, Cabello
Cons: Rodriguez 5
Pens: Rodriguez
Romania 8
Tries: Cazan
Pens: Dimofte