Press AssociationUpdated: 4.30pmJohnny Sexton marked his long-awaited comeback with two of 12 tries as Ireland launched their Rugby World Cup campaign by blitzing Romania in the baking heat of Bordeaux. Tadhg Beirne scores Ireland’s twelfth try. 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. Ireland players had spoken all week of wanting to begin with a bang by producing a statement victory. Sexton’s 17th Test try added further gloss to the scoreline before a first for 22-year-old lock McCarthy and a second of the afternoon for O’Mahony enhanced Romania’s punishment.

Source: The Herald September 09, 2023 15:12 UTC