Romania mauled by Pumas

Argentina 43 Romania 8:Argentina bounced back from their heartbreak against England by toppling Romania 43-8 at Rugby Park. The Romanians had come close to causing a shock themselves after leading Scotland until two late tries saw off their challenge.

However, the Pumas had no such issues as they kept the ball away from Romania's strength up front and released their fearsome backs.

Santiago Fernandez, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Juan Figallo, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Florin Vlaicu and Genaro Fessia all crossed for tries - and Argentina could have scored more but for some desperate Romanian defending.

Martin Rodriguez, who was guilty of missing too many efforts in the 13-9 loss to England, was more accurate this time as he added 13 points with the boot.

There was some cheer for the Oaks as Ionel Cazan scored their only try, while Ionut Dimofte slotted over a penalty.

Rodriguez missed an early penalty effort but he made no mistake after six minutes as he added the extras for Fernandez's first international try.

A second try followed just two minutes later as former London Irish flanker Leguizamon powered through two tackles to crash over after Csaba Gal had just failed to intercept Rodriguez's wild pass.

Romania were rewarded for their best spell of pressure as Dimofte slotted over a penalty - however they soon found themselves on the back foot.

And the Pumas extended their lead further when prop Figallo burrowed over from close range.

Amorosino secured the bonus points for Argentina when he broke through some tired tackling after a concerted spell of pressure. Rodriguez converted.

Romania hit back with a try through Cazan, the winger diving over in the corner after the Oaks had stretched the Pumas defence.

But Argentina extended their lead just after the break, though, when Rodriguez slotted over a penalty.

And although Romania enjoyed an encouraging spell, their task was made so much harder when key prop Mihaita Lazar was sin-binned.

The Oaks deserve credit, though, as they defied the loss of Lazar and defended their line with their lives.

Argentina finally broke the Romania resistance when Vlaicu stepped and then showed electric acceleration to score. Rodriguez converted.

Romania thought they had hit back when Dimofte intercepted and found Daniel Carpo. The No.8 shipped the ball to Cazan but as the winger attempted to keep the move alive, Argentina were able to hack the ball on - with flanker Fessia picking up and running in unopposed to score. Rodriguez added the extras.