Scotland survive huge scare to edge Romania

A ragged Scotland survived a huge scare before two late Simon Danielli tried edged them past a wonderfully committed Romania 34-24 in the opening Pool B game of the World Cup on Saturday.

A ragged Scotland survived a huge scare before two late Simon Danielli tried edged them past a wonderfully committed Romania 34-24 in the opening Pool B game of the World Cup on Saturday.

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Scotland looked lively in the early stages and created two nice tries for Mike Blair and Joe Ansbro but Romania's forwards gradually took charge and after two penalties for Danut Dumbrava, prop Mihaita Lazar drove over for a try to keep his side in the game at only 18-11 down at the break.

Two penalties by replacement Ionut Dimofte and a try by Dan Carpo after a huge scrum then took Romania into a 24-21 lead with 12 minutes remaining with a massive shock on the cards.

Scotland, who have never failed to progress from the group stage of a World Cup, finally reacted with Danielli scoring twice in the last five minutes to spare his side's blushes and allow them to secure a bonus point for scoring four tries.

England and Argentina meet in the second Pool B game in Dunedin later on Saturday.