World Rugby Nations Cup debuts: New Zealand beats France 34-32, Romania loses 48-31 to Chile
The inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup saw New Zealand defeat France 34-32 in Christchurch, while Romania lost 48-31 to Chile in Santiago, dropping to a record-low 25th in the world rankings.
Tournament debut
The World Rugby Nations Cup launched on Saturday with 24 teams split into two pools of 12. The competition features a mix of top-tier and emerging rugby nations, with matches played across the globe. In the headline fixture, New Zealand held off a French side missing its Toulouse-based players to win 34-32 in Christchurch. World champions South Africa dominated England 45-21, while Ireland snatched a 33-31 victory over Australia with a try three minutes from time.
Top-tier results
Scotland surprised Argentina 47-38 in Buenos Aires, and Wales secured a 39-24 away win. Japan beat Italy 27-10 in the other Pool A match. The results set up an intriguing second round of fixtures next weekend.
Romania's narrow defeat
Romania, competing in Pool B, pushed Chile hard in Santiago but ultimately fell 48-31. The visitors trailed 10-0 early, then rallied to lead 14-10 after tries from Adrian Mitu and Ștefan Buruiană. Chile regained control to lead 27-17 at halftime. Romania twice closed the gap to three points in the second half, the last time at 34-31 after a Marius Simionescu try. However, two yellow cards left Romania with 13 men at a critical juncture, and Chile captain Martín Sigren scored his second try to stretch the lead. Diego Escobar added a late score to seal the win. Romania's Gabriel Rupanu contributed 11 points from conversions and a penalty.
- Chile takes 10-0 lead
- Romania scores two tries to lead 14-10
- Chile leads 27-17
- Romania reduced to 13 players; Chile extends lead to 34-24
- Romania closes to 34-31
- Sigren's second try puts Chile ahead 41-31
- Escobar scores final try, Chile wins 48-31
Other Pool B action
Georgia beat Uruguay 41-34 in Montevideo, Samoa thrashed Hong Kong China 66-19, Tonga overcame Zimbabwe 36-26, the United States edged Portugal 30-29, and Canada drew 42-42 with Spain. Romania's next opponent, Uruguay, will host the Oaks on July 11.
What's next
Romania faces Uruguay in Montevideo on July 11 at 20:00 local time, with the match broadcast on TVR Sport. The defeat dropped Romania to 25th in the world rankings, its lowest position ever. The Nations Cup continues with a full slate of matches across both pools.
