Pool D result: Italy 32-22 Romania
Italy finish third in the group and qualify for 2019
Match played at Sandy Park, Exeter
Romania continue to batter the Italy line, but the Azzurri defence remains rock solid. Heavy pressure. The Romanians know they have a penalty on the cards, centre Florin Vlaicu kicking into touch to set up the line-out.
Romania have got a comeback in their locker - as illustrated by their fightback against Canada earlier in the week. Now the Oaks have their full complement of players, captain Valentin Ursache held up on the line as he tries to bash a hole in the Azzurri defence.
Italy 15-3 Romania
Some tasty fancy-dress outfits being modelled by the Italian fans at Sandy Park today....
Image source, EPA
Edoardo Gori, con Tommasi Allan
Finally the Italian pressure pays. The 14 men of Romania are driven back by the Azzurri scrum, conceding another set-piece, from which scrum-half Edoardo Gori spins out of the base of the Italian drive. He bumps off a couple of yellow shirts before diving over the try-line.
Image source, Getty ImagesBack to the line-out and Italy think they have stolen it. But Romain Poite doesn't. Knock on, he rules. Romania are hanging on by the skin of their teeth here though...
Image source, Getty ImagesOooh, clever. Italy wing Giovanbattista Venditti picks up the ball as Romania run it out, throwing in from the five-metre line for Alessandro Zanni to cross unimpeded. But ref Romain Poite furiously pips his whistle - "not straight" he yells.
Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport
The locals certainly like what they see of new Exeter signing Michele Campagnaro. A lovely bit of skill to draw three Romanian defenders before giving the ball to Sarto for that try.
Image source, Getty ImagesTommaso Allan
Italy, unsurprisingly, decide to go for the posts. And Tommaso Allan, after stiffing his opening kick, finds his target from a straight angle.
Johann van Heerden (Romania)
Not what Romania need. Referee Romain Poite loses patience with Romania second-rower Johann van Heerden who illegally stops an Italian opponent in his tracks. Poite has a word in his ear, and he knows what is coming. A yellow card and 10 minutes to cool off.
Italy 5-3 Romania
Italy may have the all important try, but it is honours even in terms of the possession.
Though tellingly, the Italians are seeing more of the ball in the Romanian half.
Image source, OptaGreat to see The Hoff getting excited about the game. Wonder if he's sat on an LA beach somewhere, wearing those famous red short shorts, following the action. Anyway...
Another onlooker, Italy captain Sergio Parisse looks quite content as his side escape after more pressure from the Romanian scrum.
#bbcrugby
Leonardo Sarto, missed con Tommaso Allan
Quality. Italy know they can stretch this bulky Romanian side if they get the ball moving out wide quickly - and that is exactly what they do. Edoardo Gomi starts the move from the breakdown, the ball finding Exeter-bound Michele Campagnaro who bursts through a gap to impress his soon-to-be home fans. A simple offload finds wing Leonardo Sarto who saunters in down the line.
Image source, Getty Images#bbcrugby
Italy 0-3 Romania
No messing about from the TMO, pretty clear that Edoardo Gomi did not ground the ball correctly. The Italy scrum-half knocks on, Romania scrum.
Image source, ReutersItaly 0-3 Romania
Pacy Italy scrum-half Edoardo Gori scampers after his own kick forward after the Azzurri win a line out. But did he ground the ball? TMO time...
Florin Vlaicu
Routine stuff from Romanian centre Florin Vlaicu. He slots over the opening kick, the face of his Welsh coach Lynn Howells doesn't even crack.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere we go then! Our first glimpse at that powerful Romania scrum. Rarely do we see the Italian scrum backpedalling quickly, but that is what happens as Romania win an early penalty just inside the Italian half. Florin Vlaicu gives the nod - he's going for the sticks...
Italy 0-0 Romania
Cracking start from Italy as they overpower the Romanians before winning an early penalty as their opponents are punished for not releasing. Italy try to move the ball through hands to the left, but Tommaso Allan spills the ball in midfield.
Italy 0-0 Romania
Romania, decked out in their own traditionaltricoloreof yellow, blue and red, have the honour of starting this crucial Pool C game. Game on!
Image source, Getty Images