Steaua Bucuresti vs CSM Baia Mare

Steaua led 23-19 after their best spell of the match early in the second half, having scored two converted tries in rapid succession. Baia Mare's response was immediate and emphatic: the "Zimbrii" (Bisons) reclaimed momentum with a converted try that silenced the home support, then added a second to build an unassailable 33-19 cushion. Steaua had no answer once Baia Mare's pack reasserted control at the breakdown.

Cristian Chirica (CSM Baia Mare) — Two tries and a relentless carrying display earned him player-of-the-match honours. His second try, the decisive score that put Baia Mare ahead to stay, was the standout moment.

Steaua's back three — The home side's counter-attacking threat troubled Baia Mare throughout, generating the two converted tries that briefly turned the match. However, they lacked the forward platform to sustain the pressure for 80 minutes.

Baia Mare's front row — After a slow start in the scrum, the visitors' front five tightened up after half-time and denied Steaua the quick ball they needed to maintain their second-phase momentum.

The 19-9 half-time scoreline reflected Baia Mare's territorial dominance early on; three tries in the opening 40 minutes told the story of a side playing with pace and purpose. Steaua's second-half resurgence (17 points) suggested a tactical adjustment at the break, but the team lacked the match fitness or depth to hold the pace — Baia Mare answered with 14 unanswered points at the key juncture. The defensive bonus point (losing by seven or fewer) rewards Steaua for staying competitive, but conceding 33 points at home is a concern with the play-offs approaching.

Baia Mare climb to 30 points from nine matches, moving above Steaua (27 points from ten games) into third place in the SuperLiga table. CS Dinamo București lead with 40 points from ten games, followed by SCM USV Timișoara on 36 points from nine matches. With three rounds remaining in the regular season, the top-four race for semi-final qualification is intensifying.

Steaua travel to face CS Dinamo București next, while Baia Mare host Rugby Club Gura Humorului as favourites to build on this win.

Baia Mare showed the composure of champions, absorbing Steaua's best punch before delivering a decisive counter. Steaua will regret a slow start and an inability to close out the game when they led, but the bonus point keeps them in touch. This result strengthens the sense that Baia Mare, not Steaua, are the likelier semi-final contender.