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LEICESTER, England — Romania produced the biggest comeback in Rugby World Cup history to rally from a 15-point deficit and beat Canada 17-15 in a Rugby World Cup Pool D match on Tuesday, clinching the dramatic victory with a nerveless late penalty from centre Florin Vlaicu.

It was not as dramatic as France’s semifinal comeback against New Zealand at the 1999 World Cup, where the French trailed 24-10 before triumphing 43-31. But it was certainly tension-filled at Leicester’s City Stadium, as Vlauci held his nerve to land the winning kick with three minutes left.

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Canada was in control when left winger DTH Van Der Merwe scored late in the first half — his fourth try of the tournament — and right winger Jeff Hassler crossed four minutes after halftime.

But Romania’s bold decision to foresake penalty kicks for attacking lineouts and scrums paid off.

Canada played the last eight minutes with a man down after flanker Jebb Sinclair was sin-binned and paid a serious price for it. Four missed shots at goal and too many wasted attacking chances also cost the Canadians.