Late surge takes Scotland to top of pool

Simon Danielli spared Scotland’s blushes in their Rugby World Cup opener by scoring two tries in the last five minutes to stave off a shock defeat by Romania.

Scotland were trailing with six minutes to go after a heroic effort by the eastern European minnows.

Romania, who were beaten 42-0 by Scotland at the same stage four years ago, belied their billing as the weakest team in Pool B, and when Dan Carpo scored their second try after 74 minutes they were within reach of a historic upset.

But Scotland rediscovered their verve and Danielli, who had not scored an international try for two years, finished powerfully to secure the 34-24 win and a bonus point for four tries.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson said: “The game is 80 minutes and that’s how long you have to play for.

“We had the right attitude in the first 15 minutes and could taken control but the next 60 minutes were very disappointing and that is something we have got to sort out.

We all saw how destructive they can be with the maul and scrum and they grew and grew. Andy Robinson

“We gave them six points from the re-start and conceded too many penalties to give Romania field position. From there we all saw how destructive they can be with the maul and scrum and they grew and grew.

“We knew what to expect but credit to Romania for the way they played and their ability to keep their shape. But we were fantastic in the last ten minutes and we have to give the Scotland players real credit for the way they were able to put that together.”

The win puts Scotland at the top of Pool B, with England in second place following a similarly unconvincing win over Argentina, who are in third place in the pool, followed by Georgia and Romania.