ʻIkale Tahi came away with a hard-fought 43-38 victory over Romania on Friday, November 6, producing a six-try performance to overcome the hosts in a thrilling World Rugby Nations Cup encounter in Bucharest. In a match that delivered 12 tries and 81 points, Tonga showed their attacking quality and ability to respond under pressure, holding off a determined Romanian side to secure their second victory of the competition. Played at Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf, the contest got off to a fast start, with Romania striking first through Marius Simionescu to take a 7-0 lead. Tonga responded through second-rower Veikoso Poloniati, who crossed for their opening try in the ninth minute. The visitors quickly found their rhythm, with Taniela Filimone breaking through Romania’s defensive line before setting up John Tapueluelu for another try. Both scores came within minutes of each other, giving Tonga an early advantage. Romania refused to let the visitors pull away, responding with tries from Iulian Hartig and Tudor Butnariu to keep the contest close. However, Patrick Pellegrini’s kicking helped Tonga maintain their advantage, sending the visitors into halftime with a 22-17 lead. Tonga continued their momentum after the break, with Anzelo Tuitavuki finishing a well-weighted kick from Pellegrini to extend their lead and secure the team’s fourth try bonus point. But the hosts continued to fight back. Logan Weidner crossed for Romania before debutant Efitusi Ma’afu added another try for Tonga, marking an important moment in his international career. With neither side willing to give ground, the scoring continued. Gheorghe Gajion crossed twice for Romania, while Tomaakino Taufa added Tonga’s sixth try to give the visitors some breathing room heading into the closing stages.
Romania’s late push made for a tense finish, but ʻIkale Tahi held their nerve to close out the five-point victory. Pellegrini finished with 13 points, converting five of Tonga’s six tries and adding a penalty goal. His contribution proved important in a contest where the two sides finished with six tries apiece. The result carries added significance for Tonga, marking their first victory in Bucharest since 2017 and their fourth win in seven meetings against Romania. It also gives ʻIkale Tahi their second win from four rounds in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup.
Led by captain Fetuli Paea, Tonga will now turn their attention to their next Nations Cup assignment against Georgia in Tbilisi on November 14, before closing out their November campaign against Hong Kong China on November 21.
Cover Photo: @sabin74
