Canada lead Romania 8-0 at the interval of their Pool D clash at the Rugby World Cup on Tuesday afternoon.

Neither side can qualify for the next round of this particular tournament, but both can still finish third in the section and therefore avoid the qualification process for the World Cup in 2019.

It was Canada that made the brighter start to proceedings, but strong defence from Romania meant that the scores were level inside the opening seven minutes.

Canada had the chance to take the lead in the ninth minute from distance, but Gordon McRorie could not convert the penalty, with the scrum-half's kick well wide of the posts.

McRorie made no mistake two minutes later, however, as his successful penalty from 25 metres sent Canada into a 3-0 lead at the King Power Stadium.

Romania began to settle as play developed and forced their first penalty of the match in the 17th minute. Florin Vlaicu stepped up, but from 50 metres and against the rain, he could not convert.

Romania were without Catalin Fercu from the 20th minute after the full-back collided with Nick Blevins when the Canada centre was off his feet.

McRorie had the chance to score his second penalty of the match three minutes later, but the scrum-half mis-hit the ball as the score remained 3-0.

The first try of the match finally arrived in the 33th minute when DTH van der Merwe dived over in the corner for his fourth try of the tournament.

Vlaicu had another chance to convert a penalty late in the half, but again his kick was short as Canada led at the interval.