The Associated Press
Published: October 14, 2006
DUBLIN, Ireland Italy and Romania qualified for next year's rugby union World Cup after winning qualifiers on Saturday. Italy beat Russia 67-7 in Moscow and Romania defeated Spain 43-20 in Madrid. Both were placed in Pool C with 1987 champion New Zealand, Scotland and a qualifier yet to be determined. Italy led 39-0 at halftime with two tries from winger Kaine Robertson and one from Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea Masi and Mirco Bergamasco. "It was extremely important for us to win this match," Italy captain Marco Bortolami said. "Russia proved to be tough opposition and we had to work hard." Romania defeated Spain 43-20 in Madrid with two tries from Catalin Dascalu and one each from Romeo Gontineac, Costica Mersoiu and Florin Vlaicu — who also slotted a penalty and five conversions — plus a penalty try. Russia can still qualify for the Sept 7-Oct. 20 tournament to be largely held in France. If it beats Portugal in another qualifier on Oct. 28, it will advance to a playoff to determine the third European qualifier. "Our chances are still very much alive," Russia coach Blikkies Groenewald said. Only five more places — qualifiers from Africa, Asia and Europe and two playoff spots — are available for the 20-team tournament. Italy and Romania qualified for next year's rugby union World Cup after winning qualifiers on Saturday.Italy beat Russia 67-7 in Moscow and Romania defeated Spain 43-20 in Madrid.Both were placed in Pool C with 1987 champion New Zealand, Scotland and a qualifier yet to be determined.Italy led 39-0 at halftime with two tries from winger Kaine Robertson and one from Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea Masi and Mirco Bergamasco."It was extremely important for us to win this match," Italy captain Marco Bortolami said. "Russia proved to be tough opposition and we had to work hard."Romania defeated Spain 43-20 in Madrid with two tries from Catalin Dascalu and one each from Romeo Gontineac, Costica Mersoiu and Florin Vlaicu — who also slotted a penalty and five conversions — plus a penalty try.Russia can still qualify for the Sept 7-Oct. 20 tournament to be largely held in France. If it beats Portugal in another qualifier on Oct. 28, it will advance to a playoff to determine the third European qualifier."Our chances are still very much alive," Russia coach Blikkies Groenewald said.Only five more places — qualifiers from Africa, Asia and Europe and two playoff spots — are available for the 20-team tournament.
Romania qualifies for the Rugby World Cup next year.
Romania have qualified for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, finishing at the top of their pool during the Round 5 of the European qualifying tournaments. Romania won their first qualifying match on October 7, defeating Georgia in Bucharest 20-8. Their 43-20 win over Spain in Madrid on October 14 ensured that they qualified directly for the World Cup next year.

Romania qualified as Europe 2, joining Pool C where they will face the All Blacks, Scotland and Italy, as well as one other nation yet to qualify (Repechage 1). Romania have thus far competed at every Rugby World Cup, since the first one was held in 1987. Romania's best result is one win during the pool stages, which it has achieved at every World Cup thus far.

One of the other two nations in Round 5 can still qualify for France next year, and Georgia and Spain will meet each other in Tblisi on October 28 which will determine who finishes second in the pool and advances to Round 6. There they will face the winner from the other pool from Round 5 for the Europe 3 qualification path. The loser of Round 6 can then still qualify through repechage. Both nations have been to the World Cup previously, Spain in 1999 and Georgia in 2003.