Nicolas Fernandez Miranda celebrates after scoring a try
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Matches: Argentina 50 - 3 Romania

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: Argentina

Argentina defeated Romania 50-3 in a Pool A match at Aussie Stadium. Coming of the back of their 8-90 defeat by Australia, the Romanians were never a match for the Pumas but turned in a spirited performance despite being completely outmuscled in the forwards.

Ahead 7-0 on tem minutes thanks to a Martin Gaitan try, it wasn't until the 29th minute that the Pumas were able extend their lead when fullback Juan Hernandez touched down. Juan Fernandez Miranda was in good kicking touch early, converting the thre first-half tries and adding a penalty on 32 minutes.

Tries either side of half time to Manuel Contepomi and Nicolas Fernandez Miranda killed off Romanian hopes, and on 48 minutes the lead was extended to 36-0 when the Argentine pack showed its superiority with Pablo Bouza dropping on the ball for a push-over try.

The biggest cheer of the night came on 51 minutes when Ionut Tofan converted a penalty for what turned out to be Romania's only score of the night. Argentina scored its second push-over try through Bouza on 62 minutes to take a 40-point lead and with the Romanians tiring the Pumas clocked up their half century when Hernandez crossed for his second.

But Romania held on for the last 14 minutes thanks to some spirited defence and a lack of inventiveness in the Pumas' backline. It was, however, a powerful performance from the Pumas although reserve hooker Mario Ledesma turned in an eccentric effort with some wild and wayward line-out throws.

Romania now turns its attention to its next game, a clash in Launceston with fellow minnow Namibia.

Argentina 50
Tries: Hernandez 2, Bouza 2, Gaitan, M Contepomi, N Fernandez Miranda
Conversions:: J Fernandez Miranda 4, Quesada 2
Penalties: J Fernandez Miranda

Romania 3
Penalties: Tofan