Defending Champions Romania Make Winning Start to JWRT
PNG await the line-out. photo Zoomfiji
IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy holders Romania made a winning start to the tournament in Moscow today, beating 2008 champions Uruguay and joining Italy, Canada and Japan as winners on the opening day.
Romania secured a narrow 15-12 victory in a fiercely contested match, but it is Italy who top Pool A after an impressive 74 -0 defeat of Papua New Guinea, which included 12 tries, three from prop Carlo Fazzari.
Canada head Pool B after beating Zimbabwe 22-6, albeit only by virture of a slightly better point differential than Japan, who beat hosts Russia 31-17 at the Slava Stadium.
Fly half Connor Braid's accurate boot helped Canada to victory, while vociferous home support was not enough for the hosts as a packed crowd left disappointed following Russia's loss to Japan, a late Lafaele Fakamisia Vaifu try securing the win for the Asian champions.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MATCH REPORT >>
CLICK HERE FOR THE POOL STANDINGS>>
CLICK HERE FOR RIGHTS-FREE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DAY ONE>>
The IRB will provide a Rugby News Service throughout the tournament, including features, match reports and photographs at www.irb.com/jwrt.
The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy continues in Moscow on Saturday, May 22 when Uruguay play Papua New Guinea (14:00 local time), Italy face Romania (14:00), Japan take on Zimbabwe (16:00) and Russia meet Canada (16:00).
Further Information:
Andrea Wiggins, IRB Communications Manager, +353 (0)86-040-3950, email andrea.wiggins@irb.com