Review: Ireland 44 - 10 Romania

Ireland depart facile victors, dispensing with a weary Romanian outfit in front of a record World Cup crowd of 89, 267. Ireland’s relentless and inventive backline proved too much for the Romanians, who were obliged to battle two rugby heavyweights within five days.

Madigan opened the scoring with a relatively straightforward shot in front of goal and the Romanians were quick to respond, leveling the scoreboard within minutes. Zebo was denied a try shortly after, when the TMO interjected, citing a foot in touch.  Bowe quickly crossed again, and this time the TMO ruled in favour. Ireland would cross once more through Earls, owing to Zebo’s sharp handling under pressure.

15 points up at the break, Ireland were in the ascendancy. The second half continued in much the same vain, with Schmidt’s men upping the tempo - making amends for missed opportunities in the first.  Earl’s crossed for his second early in the half, collecting a clever chip from Reddan and dotting down. It was Bowe’s turn next and he wouldn’t disappoint, touching down for two consecutive tries and procuring an important bonus point for his side. Kearney would later substitute on and cap a scintillating Zebo break with try number five, injuring himself in the process.  After attempting to shake the injury, Kearney was later helped off the field as a precautionary measure. Henry picked up Ireland’s final try before Romania barged over with a late consolatory try under the posts.

Man of the match: Keith Earls. Earls was awarded Man of the Match after a dominant performance and two tries to boot. Alongside Earls, Chris Henry impressed as did Jared Payne and a haul of 10 points from a possible 10 is the perfect start for Joe Schmidt's men. That final match of the pool against France is brewing nicely.