Denmark turn on the style in the second half to reach the Trophy

Denmark will be playing in the men’s Rugby Trophy next year after they won the play-off match 41-6 versus Moldova on Saturday.

The two sides reached the big match which was played at Nanok Rugby Club’s ground in Copenhagen by playing well in the Conference group stages.

Given they won four from four in Conference Pool A and Moldova won two and lost one in Pool C, the hosts for the play-off match started off as favourites and that assertion proved correct on a day when loosehead prop Michael Larsen won his 50^th cap for them.

Moldova stayed right in the battle until half-time, trailing at that point just 10-6 before Denmark got away from them in the second period.

A penalty after 10 minutes from Denmark stand-off Cassius Deschamps gave them the lead and, three minutes later, he missed another attempt.

Moldova got themselves on the scoreboard in the 19^th minute when centre Adrian Adam kicked a penalty of his own.

It took until the 33^rd minute for the next points to be scored when Adam’s second penalty put Moldova 6-3 up.

Just before half-time Denmark got a crucial try from Hamish Coventry, the second-row taking a tap penalty and powering over from short range. Deschamps converted and it was 10-6 at the interval.

That was a tough blow for Moldova, but Denmark’s second try in the 54^th minute really knocked the stuffing out of them.

A kick ahead by the home side bounced awkwardly, the defence could not collect the ball and Denmark hooker Malte Madsen took advantage to score. Deschamps converted and it was 17-6.

Denmark were well and truly on the front foot now and try number three came just before the hour mark from replacement Federico Haedo. Deschamps converted to make it 24-6.

Moldova were not giving up though and it took until into the last 10 minutes for Denmark to score again, Deschamps’ penalty giving Denmark a three-score lead at 27-6.

And late on they made sure of a 41-6 win and promotion when centre Christian Kilsdal and full-back Henry Coleman scored tries both converted by Deschamps.