Vlaicu holds his nerve as Romania seal comeback win over Canada at Rugby World Cup

Romania's players celebrate their dramatic win ©Getty Images

Romania stunned Canada by coming back from 15-0 down to win for the first time at this year's Rugby World Cup today.

The European side looked out of the Pool D clash in Leicester but after two converted tries brought them within a point of the Maple Leafs, Florin Vlaicu kept his cool with a last gasp penalty to seal a memorable 17-15 success.

It means that Canada have finished their England 2015 campaign with four defeats from four and they will finish bottom of the pool.

Romania were also already out before the start of play but will be buoyed by their never say die attitude in this success.

Scottish born Gordon McRorie kicked a penalty to put the Canadians into a 3-0 lead after ten minutes but then missed with two further attempts in what was the lowest scoring first half of the tournament so far.

Canada did manage a try though when DTH van der Merwe was able to squeeze away from two Romanian players before touching down.

McRorie could not convert from out wide so the lead was 8-0 at the interval.

DTH van der Merwe scored Canada's first try but it was to all go wrong for his side ©Getty Images

In the second half Canada, who had impressed in defeat against Six Nations giants France earlier in the pool stage, came out with intent and didn't have to wait long to secure their second try.

Jeff Hassler cut inside from the wing and hared to the line and with Nathan Hirayama this time making no mistake with the extras, the lead was stretched to 15-0.

Romania had work to do but shortly before the hour mark they forced their way back into the contest, courtesy of a try from Mihai Macovei, who was driven over by the pack, and Vlaicu's conversion.

It was then very much game on with six minutes remaining, as Mihai Macovei grounded the ball for Romania with Vlaicu's conversion bringing his side within a point at 15-14 behind.

The Canadians were now clearly nervous and in the 79th minute, Jamie Cudmore came in at the side from the maul to give Vlaicu his match-winning opportunity from which he made no mistake.

Romania will conclude their World Cup by playing Italy in Exeter on October 11, where third place in the pool will be on the line.

In the second game of the day, Fiji beat Uruguay 47-15 in Pool A in Milton Keynes, but both countries were already out.