Who Will Win?
Tonga will go into their game against Romania as heavy favourites. Although neither side has won a game in Pool B (which was widely regarded as the ‘pool of death’ coming into the tournament), they have competed well against the top sides and look well placed to end their campaign on a high.
Meanwhile, Romania have unfortunately endured several heavy beatings at the hands of Ireland (82-8), South Africa (76-0) and Scotland (84-0). Although the game against Tonga will likely be closer, they will be underdogs.
Think you know which way that Tonga vs Romania will go? Vote in our poll below.
Head-to-Head
Since 2013, Tonga and Romania have faced each other four times. Both sides have won two of these games each, with Romania winning the latest encounter 32-20 in 2021.
Our data shows you what happened during the last two Tonga vs Romania games. As the two sides continue to face each other, this data will continually update and you’ll be able to spot patterns, such as how often the home team wins and how often the team that scores the first try wins.
Team Form
Both sides will enter this clash on the back of five consecutive losses. However, in truth, Pool B was always expected to be bruising for both teams and encounters with South Africa, Ireland and Scotland were widely expected to end in losses.
It’s safe to say that Tonga fared better against these international juggernauts, while Romania have been on the end of some heavy losses. Overall, as the data below shows, Tonga have recently performed better in terms of tries scored and overall points difference in their last five outings.
Player Head-to-Head
Games like Tonga vs Romania often hinge on one moment of individual brilliance. With this in mind, here’s how Sonatane Takulua (Tonga) and Florin Vlaicu (Romania) have performed recently. A big game from one of these stars could make all the difference.
Other Fixtures
Tonga vs Romania is an important fixture where both teams will battle to ensure they don’t finish bottom of their pool. However, several other important games that will determine the knockout ties are also taking place this weekend. Check out the latest fixtures and results below.
Tonga vs Romania 2023: Detailed Match Preview
On Sunday 08th October, 2023, Tonga will face Romania at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
This clash is a battle for the wooden spoon in Group B. Both sides enter the game on 0 points and both will be desperate to end their World Cup campaign with a win. Although neither team can qualify for the quarter-finals or gain automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027, there’s plenty of pride at stake in this impending clash.
Live Updates
A series of passes by Tonga results in a try for Kyren Taumoefolau
Alin Conache (Romania) is shown a yellow card
Great hands by Tonga leads to a try for Solomone Kata
The Tonga supporters go wild as William Havili successfully kicks the conversion.
Great hands by Tonga leads to a try for Pita Ahki
The touch judges raise their flags as Alin Conache kicks the conversion.
A pinpoint kick has enabled Marius Simionescu to score the try.
The touch judges raise their flags as William Havili kicks the conversion.
The Tonga maul march their way over the white wash for Sione Vailanu to touch down.
Alin Conache does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
What an effort there by Florin Surugiu as they score the try.
Leva Fifita (Tonga) is shown a yellow card
Alin Conache does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
The pressure has finally told as Cristi Boboc scores from close range.
William Havili makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
Tonga are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Afusipa Taumoepeau picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try.
Alin Conache does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.
William Havili converts the try.
A bit of individual brilliance by George Moala leads to a try for Tonga
William Havili converts the try.
A series of passes by Tonga results in a try for Solomone Kata