Uruguay Triumphs Over Romania in Thrilling Bucharest Battle

Uruguay ended 2024 on a triumphant note, defeating Romania 23-21 at the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest on a frigid November evening. This victory marked Los Teros' first since overcoming Namibia in the Rugby World Cup and their fourth win over Romania since their inaugural meeting in 2008.

The visitors started strong, with scrum-half Santiago Álvarez orchestrating Uruguay’s attack and opening the scoring with an early penalty. An electrifying counter-attack followed, resulting in a try from Gastón Mieres, who scored in his final match for Los Teros after a 85-meter dash, assisted by Felipe Arcos Pérez. Within nine minutes, Uruguay led 10-0.

Romania responded with a penalty from Gabriel Rupanu, narrowing the gap. Although Uruguay extended their lead with another Álvarez penalty, Romania gained momentum. Hooker Tudor Butnariu powered over from a maul, and Rupanu added points from the tee to bring the score to 13-13 by the half-hour mark. Despite sustained pressure, Uruguay failed to capitalize before halftime, even as Romania’s Taylor Gontineac received a yellow card.

Early in the second half, Rupanu's penalty gave Romania their first lead at 16-13. Uruguay bounced back in the 57th minute with a beautifully executed try. From a rolling maul, Álvarez fed Felipe Arcos Pérez, who linked with Ignacio Álvarez for a dazzling finish. The conversion restored Uruguay's lead at 20-16.

Both teams missed further try-scoring opportunities, but Romania mounted pressure, resulting in a try from Taliauli Sikuea on the right wing. Crucially, Rupanu missed the conversion, leaving Romania’s lead at 21-20.

With just minutes remaining, Romania conceded a penalty, and Álvarez calmly slotted it to put Uruguay ahead 23-21. In the final moments, Los Teros retained possession and kicked the ball into touch, sealing the win.

This match concluded the November Internationals for both teams. Romania now shifts focus to their Rugby World Cup Qualifier against Germany in January, while Uruguay looks ahead to their first RWC 2027 Qualifier in mid-2025 against Paraguay.