Romania came to play rugby and they did just that, the Oaks pushing the French to their absolute limit, and especially bullying the French forward pack.
MATCH REPORT: FRANCE VS ROMANIA
The Romanian pack really did have a mission to make life as hard as possible for the French and they succeeded, and although Les Bleus ran away with the match in the end it was a tight performance from Romania and they will be confident in taking on Canada and Italy in coming weeks.
France has a lot to work on before taking on Ireland in a couple of weeks – they were pretty poor today and up against a stronger side may have let the game slip away.
A really enjoyable match and one and Romania did themselves proud in.
Final score:
France 38
Romania 11
France will be keen to continue their winning ways after toppling Italy over the weekend, while Romania will look to kick-start their Rugby World Cup campaign with an upset victory. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am (AEST).
France currently sit second in Pool D, although a win today will see them take the top spot from Ireland and see them continue their impressive run of form after victories over England, Scotland and Italy.
As such, the men in blue have put a disappointing Six Nations campaign behind them, bearing only two wins and an emphatic last-round 55-35 drubbing by England.
Romania come into the match stern underdogs, with just five World Cup victories to their name from 24 appearances. But don’t write them off just yet – the Oaks’ bullocking forward runners and passion will see them stick it to the French. They’ve got a rich rugby history and a lot of pride on the line – be ready for a big effort.
History lies with the French, winning 39 of the two nations’ 49 clashes, however Romania boast a fresh team at full strength, which will keep the Les Bleus on their toes after the gruelling clash against Italy, where they lost Yoann Huget to a ligament injury.
Coming off an impressive performance against the Italians, Frederic Michalak will come off the bench and likely star with the boot. Dimitri Szarzewski gets another chance to captain France after taking the reins during their World Cup warm-up matches, with usual captain Thierry Dusautoir rested for this match.
Romania has a tough couple of matches ahead of them, with Ireland looming on Monday morning (AEST), but a strong performances should put them in good stead to compete with Canada and Italy towards the end of their campaign.
France will likely experiment with new combinations and most importantly target an all-important bonus-point victory, while Romania will attempt to follow in the footsteps of fellow minnows Japan after their shock victory over South Africa.
Prediction
Buoyed by a strong bench and confidence in their recent form, France should be too strong today.
Will Romania produce another shock upset for this World Cup? Join The Roar from 5am (AEST) for updates and debate in our live blog.
jaysper
Roar Guru
Agreed. The French are the one team in the World that can NEVER EVER be written off. The ABs have found this out in the most painful ways possible over the years.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Great great game to be at - crowd was awesome and you could feel the Romanian intensity from the stands! France seemed a bit off but that means nothing at this stage anyway. The Romanian 9 was terrific, wish the WBs had him in the lineup.
Targa
Guest
Any comment on this? We've already had an Argentinian banned for gouging. Not a good look, although it might have been accidental http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webconte...45_620x310.jpg
Targa
Guest
Pool play means nothing to France. They are definitely still a threat.
Simon
Roar Pro
FULL TIME: FRANCE 38 ROMANIA 11 Romania came out to play rugby and they did just that, The Oaks pushed the French to their absolute limit and especially bullied the French forward pack The Romanian pack really did have a mission to make life as hard as possible for the French and they succeeded, and although Les Bleus ran away with the match in the end it was a tight performance from Romania and they will be confident in taking on Canada and Italy in coming weeks. France has a lot to work on before taking on Ireland in a couple of weeks - they were pretty poor today and up against a stronger side may have let the game slip away. Anyway, thanks for joining me from such an early hour for this live blog. The match was a really enjoyable one and Romania did themselves proud. Cheers for checking in :)
Dave
Guest
France cannot win the RWC. Late tries off a double movement and forward pass gave them the score line they didn't deserve.
Simon
Roar Pro
79' Kockott adds the extras to close the game. France lead 38-11
Simon
Roar Pro
78' TRY! Fickou finds a gap off the lineout and crosses for France's fifth. Shame that the French have run away with it at the end her but Romania should hold their heads high. France lead 36-11.
Simon
Roar Pro
75' Yet another scrum penalty to Romania. This is an area that will really worry the French. France lead 31-11.
Simon
Roar Pro
75' Five metre scrum to Romania after Guitone knocks it on in-goal, almost bagging a hat-trick. France lead 31-11.
Simon
Roar Pro
73' TRY!!!! Romania cross the line after a massive rolling maul. Ursache slams it down and fists pump the air! Great stuff from The Oaks and a deserved reflection of their effort today. France lead 31-11.
Simon
Roar Pro
70' France adds the extras, stretching their lead. France lead 31-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
69' TRY! Just like the first half, two tries come in a very short space of time and gift the French a bonus point. A nice inside ball gives Fofana a great line to add 5 points. France lead 29-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
67' Parra converts with ease, a spitting image of his last two kicks. This try will really hurt the morale of the Romanians. France lead 24-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
65' TRY! Guitoune again makes the most of building pressure and wide ball movement and impressively got through 3 defenders to place the ball over the line. That's a double for him. France lead 22-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
65' France are over the line through Guitoune again, but the touch line official has requested it go upstairs to the TMO. France lead 17-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
THREE-QUARTER UPDATE Romania came out in the second half keen to pick up where they left off before the yellow card, and they did exactly that. They've absolutely bulldozed Les Bleus in the forwards, winning two scrums and gaining penalties from mauls and lineouts. They've looked close to turning the game on its head a few times and their defense has been destructive. France has managed to hang on - somehow - but you get the feeling a bonus point victory is getting further and further out of reach. Romania has been outstanding in all facets of the game and most of all have flustered the French and consequently forced many errors. It's been a great showing. Currently France lead 17-6, and it remains 0-0 in the second half.
Simon
Roar Pro
57' And the French butcher it! Romania push the French hard and force a mistake, penalty to The Oaks! They manage to get out of jail again. France lead 17-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
56' Penalty for France right in front, but they kick for touch! The French really keen on a bonus point here. France lead 17-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
52' Wow, Romania win another scrum penalty, this time just inside their own half. They've been bullying the French pack all day. Romania will look to make the most of their territory gain now. France lead 17-6.