NZ A on rampage as Romanians suffer record loss

BUCHAREST - The New Zealand A team wrapped up their European tour with an 82-9 win over Romania in Bucharest yesterday.

The New Zealanders scored 12 tries, 11 of which were converted by young fullback Ben Blair, who added a try for a personal haul of 27 points.

The outside backs prospered from a good platform laid by the forwards, with wing Rico Gear scoring three tries and replacement wing Rua Tipoki two.

Tries were also scored by Orene Ai'i, Slade McFarland, Kelvin Middleton, Tony Brown, Scott McLeod and Justin Collins.

The result was Romania's biggest defeat in test rugby, eclipsing a 0-60 loss to Ireland in 1986.

While acknowledging that the Romanians were the weakest opponents faced on the tour, New Zealand A coach Robbie Deans was pleased with the effort of his players.

"We put in an 80-minute performance, which was a good way to finish," Deans said.

"They were a very physical side, but we showed the benefit of the time we have spent together and were able to impose our game on them and play at pace.

"We created fast ball and they just weren't able to stay with us.

"There was some good work all round."

Deans was reluctant to single out individuals in what he said was a fine team effort against the Romanians.

"Some benefited from the work of others in terms of finishing, but everyone did the business," he said.

He felt that the one-sided result was inevitable to an extent, given the breeding grounds of the two teams.

"Players are only as good as the competition they come out of," he said.

"Sure, they have some players who turn out in the club competition in France, but they are playing with others who don't. That is the reality.

"They don't play in a competition as tough as the Super 12, and that is the advantage our guys have."

After losing the tour opener to the French Barbarians, yesterday's win was New Zealand A's third in succession, following victories over Wales B and the French Universities.

Deans said the big win was a satisfying way to finish the tour.

"There is no doubt we have improved as we have gone along.

"It was good that the individuals got the opportunity to express themselves like this to complete the tour."

Romania's captain, Catalin Draguceanu, said: "New Zealand A were too strong for us."

New Zealand A 82(Rico Gear 3, Rua Tipoki 2, Ben Blair, Orene Ai'i, Slade McFarland, Kelvin Middleton, Tony Brown, Scott McLeod, Justin Collins tries; Blair 11 con) Romania 9 (Petre Mitu 3 pen). Halftime: 33-6.

- NZPA

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