Scotland kicked off their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign in a wet and windy Invercargill with a nervous 34–24 win over Romania.
The Scots came out strong off the mark with some ambitious running and picked up their first points two minutes in from a Chris Paterson penalty kick.
Mike Blair scored Scotland’s first try of the tournament from a weaving run, but Paterson missed the conversion when the ball rolled off the tee as he stepped in for the kick.
A shaken Romania quickly settled and closed down their opponents’ pace, resulting in a penalty score from fly-half Dan Dumbrava when Scotland displayed some poor discipline at the breakdown.
Andy Robinson’s men got their second try 20 minutes in when London Irish centre Joe Ansbro cut through three defenders to carry the ball over, with Paterson easing a conversion and kicking a comfortable penalty minutes later.
Dumbrava struggled with the unpredictable wind and missed two penalties, but Romania’s methodical pick-and-drive game was rewarded seconds before half-time when prop Mihaita Lazar heaved over for a try, making it 18-11 to the Scots at the break.
Play was staggered after the break due to numerous handling mistakes from both sides and the teams traded successful penalties from Paterson and Ionut Dimofte.
Romania tested the Scottish defence with their powerful pick-and-drive game, but settled for another Dimofte penalty after 60 minutes.
Scotland struggled to get out of their half and their scrum was punished by Romania when Daniel Carpo crashed over and Dimofte converted to put the team three points ahead.
Paterson levelled the score at 24-24 minutes later to set up a scintillating final 10 minutes.
The Scots breathed a sigh of relief with four minutes to go when winger Simon Danielli added five points, following up with another try minutes later, but Paterson failed to convert both efforts, leaving the final score 34-24.
Scotland move on to face Georgia on Wednesday, September 14.
