Romania’s rugby team lost 43–38 (22–17) to Tonga on Friday night at Arcul de Triumf Stadium in Bucharest in a World Rugby Nations Cup match that produced 12 tries, six apiece.

The Oaks opened through Marius Simionescu (6th minute), but Tonga answered quickly and seized control. Romania’s other try-scorers were Iulian Hartig, Tudor Butnariu, Logan Weidner and Gheorghe Gajion (twice). Alin Conache and Gabriel Rupanu kicked the conversions.

For Tonga, tries came from Veikoso Poloniati, Taniela Filimone, John Tapueluelu, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Efitusi Ma’afu and Tomaakino Taufa. Patrick Pellegrini was decisive with the boot — five conversions and a penalty — for 13 points.

The visitors led 22–17 at the break; both sides added 21 points after half-time, so the five-point gap held to the end. It was the highest-scoring meeting between the sides and Tonga’s first win in Bucharest since 2017.

President Nicușor Dan visited both dressing rooms before kick-off and watched from the stand. Tonga captain Fetuli Paea praised midfield control; Adrian Motoc said Romania gave everything but could not escape their own 22 after a strong start.

The Oaks still host the United States (14 November) and Canada (20 November) at Arcul de Triumf in the same competition.

Image: Arcul de Triumf Stadium after a Romania–Tonga match (Wikimedia Commons, CC0).

Sources consulted: Romania beaten by Tonga in World Rugby Nations Cup — Radio Brașov FM.