Italy beat Romania to secure third place in Pool D

Italy have secured third place in Pool D and qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after beating Romania 32-22 at Sandy Park.

Lynn Howells side took an early lead after their scrum managed to stand up the Italy pack and earn a shot at the posts.

However, winger Leonardo Sarto crossed in the corner for the Azzurri before an Edoardo Gori try increased Italy's advantage.

With the interval approaching, stand-off Tommaso Allan touched down as Jacques Brunel's side led 22-3.

The Six Nations outfit threatened to run away with proceedings when Alessandro Zanni scored before Adrian Apostol delivered the first try for Romania with 14 minutes left.

Romania finished strongly with Valentin Poparlin getting a second score before Apostol scored his second try of the afternoon.