The Romanian forwards unsettled the Scots with their tight, driving play and they had plenty of support in the crowd of 12,500.

Scotland scored four tries to two, but it was a close-run thing as the Romanians came close to only their second World Cup victory.

It would have been even closer had it not missed eight points through goal-kicks in the first half.

Scotland led 8-0 after as many minutes, thanks to a penalty by Paterson and a try by halfback Mike Blair after a lovely weaving run by left wing Simon Danielli.

But there was encouragement for Romania after 11 minutes when fly half Marin Dumbrava kicked a fine penalty from 38m and close to touch.

The Romanians gave as good as they received for much of the first half, their tight forwards, in particular, hoeing in enthusiastically.

But the Scots finishing was superior and centre Joe Ansbro scored their second try when he beat several tackles to score under the posts and Paterson’s conversion made it 15-3.

Dumbrava kicked his second penalty for Romania, but missed two others, and the forwards deserved more reward for their driving and mauling.

Paterson kicked a 34-metre penalty from a scrum infringement three minutes before the break to extend the lead to 18-6, but it was short-lived.

Right on the halftime break loose-head prop Mihaita Lazar bullocked his way over after a tremendous rolling maul from a lineout by the Romanian forwards.

Dumbrava missed the conversion (his third miss from five kicking attempts) and it was 18-11 at the break.

Scotland did all the attacking in the first 10 minutes of the second spell, but the Romanian defence was equal to all that was thrown against it.

Paterson kicked his third penalty after 12 minutes to make it 21-11, but Romania immediately responded with a penalty by Tiberius Dimofte, which again made it a seven-point ball game.

Romania continued to take the initiative, launching furious attacks with centre Csaba Gal and openside flanker Ovidiu Tonita prominent before Dimofte kicked his second penalty to make it 21-17 going into the final 20 minutes.

The match came alight 14 minutes from the end when, from a five-metre scrum, No. 8 Daniel Carpo barged across for a try which put Romania in the lead and Dimofte's handy conversion made it 24-21.

Paterson kicked his fourth penalty, from point-blank range and it was tied at 24-24 with nine minutes remaining.

Finally, five minutes from the end  No. 8 Richie Vernon made a long run down the terrace touch line and left wing Danielli sped to a try in the corner.

Paterson missed the conversion but Scotland led 29-24, and when Danielli dived into the corner for his second five-pointer three minutes later it was all over.

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