Spain's World Cup chances dented by Romania

MADRID: Spain's hopes of reaching the 2015 Rugby World Cup took another blow as they were beaten 25-15 by Romania in Gijon.

Despite scoring just the one try through Catalin Fercu in the first-half, it was the boot of Florian Vlaicu that saw Romania home as he converted Fercu's try and added six more penalties.

Lionel Pardo and Cesar Sempere replied with tries for Los Leones, whilst Corey Simpson added a penalty and a conversion.

Defeat leaves Spain bottom of the European Nations Cup tournament with just three points from their opening three games.

Romania meanwhile maintain their 100 percent record so far and sit top of the group alongside Georgia with 12 points from their three matches.

The top two sides at the end of the two-year qualification campaign will progress to the World Cup in England and Wales with the third-placed side going into a playoff.

AFP