The 38-year-old was back from his lengthy absence to lead his country into his fourth World Cup, while Mack Hansen replaced Robbie Henshaw on the bench in a late change following his surprise initial omission from the matchday 23. Romania’s Gabriel Rupanu stunned Ireland early on (Themba Hadebe/AP). Bundee Aki scores Ireland’s fourth try (David Davies/PA). Rupanu reduced the deficit with a penalty ahead of the first drinks break, but the fourth World Cup meeting between the nations rarely threatened to be truly competitive, epitomised by an early Mexican wave. Aki, who was sent off against Samoa in his last World Cup outing, and Beirne became the third and fourth men in green to claim a brace.

Source: The Herald September 09, 2023 15:41 UTC