Romania
Usa
Manumua T. (31'), (80')
Tries
Daniel C. (29'), McLean R. (62')
Vaovasa H. (81')
Conversions
De Haas R. (30'), Carty L. (63')
Conache A. (17', 45')
Penalties
Carty L. (4', 12', 38', 70')
The Scene
In Bucharest, Romania hosted the USA in a clash between two Tier-2 nations on parallel but contrasting trajectories.
Romania, playing at home with confidence and cohesion, were looking to build on recent improvements.
The USA arrived in search of stability, consistency, and much-needed momentum after a mixed run of form.
First Half – Eagles came flying out the gates
USA looked to put the Oaks on the back foot from the start. They put the Romanian defence under pressure from quick ruck speed and controlled by Luke Carty at fly half!
After 12 minutes Carty had put the lead to 0 - 6 and could have been further ahead if the final execution by the USA was critical. However, those minor mistakes when in a rebuild phase were still there. Romania couldn’t stop the onslaught without being pinged at the breakdown and penalties were building up already.
However, Romania managed to get 3 points back when USA let their discipline slip in the 17th minute. Then a few minutes later, Carty got sin binned for a shoulder to the head when tackling a slipping Romanian attacker. But USA didnt panic losing their talisman. They sent the forwards into battle and managed to force a physical try over the line after multiple forwards phases allowed Cody Daniel to dive over. Romania lost Dragos Ser for a team yellow in the build up to the try. De Haas stepped in to kick the conversion and extend the USA lead to 3 - 13.
Once the game restarted, Romania switched on the physicality and managed to get the ball out wide, where Manumua drove over the top of Fricker and turned him into a turnstile. 8 - 13 now, while Conache couldn’t add the extras from the byline.
Carty returned to play and started pulling the strings again. He did fluff a penalty from infront of the posts when he hit the upright, which he regathered but 2 phases later, Romania infringed at the breakdown again. Carty didn’t miss this time and took USA 8 - 16 into the break in command.
Halftime: USA in front and in control, but Romania still close enough to switch the game on its head.
Second Half – Romania come out physically in the second half but USA still controlled the game
Romania came out the traps and really put the USA discipline to the test. They managed to force numerous errors in the USA defence but still only came away with 3 points to reduce the lead to 11 -16. USA even went down to 14 men but Romania couldn’t find another way through.
USA then went on the offence, once they returned to 15. Rufus Mclean managed to slid over in the corner when he avoided tackles on the wing, De Haas added the conversion. Then Luke Carty added a penalty with 10 minutes to go, the lead was stretched to 11 - 26.
The second half was more of a physical chess match without much to show for it, but Romania had one final roll of the dice. Forcing the USA defence backwards, and the only the way to stop the Romanian attack was by infringing at the breakdown. Maafu took the bullet for the team when he was binned for a team yellow in the 79th minute. Romania then had a 5 metre scrum under the posts, then drove over the line with Chirica dotting down, Vaovasa took the conversion quickly to see the game end 18 - 26.
Key Takeaways
Romania
Set-piece authority: Their scrum and lineout provided the platform for all meaningful pressure.
Solid defence: Rarely broke shape, forcing USA to work hard for every metre.
Ill discipline: Consistent penalties and playing so close to the line will not work for all officials.
USA
Bright attacking moments: When they played with width and pace, they looked dangerous.
Physicality: USA fronted up a strong team and put their way of playing into practice.
Execution: There is still moments, where it didn’t work out but the USA are finding a groove again.
What It Means Moving Forward
For Romania
Romania continue to frustrate themselves, they can’t find consistency when their ill discipline creeps in. However, when they switch it on, they are dangerous.
For the USA
A great game by the USA and definitely a blueprint for their rebuild. They overcame a strong Oaks side and put in a solid performance against Georgia too.
Man of the Match
Luke Carty — another stand out performance after his performance in Batumi. His poise and control is key for the USA in this format.
Final Word
USA looked great most of the time but moments of execution would have been punished by high level teams. Romania frustrating as usual, such a strong physical side but it struggles to click enough.
A test match that showcased exactly where both teams are today —
Romania rebuilding but a danger.
USA finding a new path.