Ireland 82-8 Romania – Rugby World Cup LIVE: Irish score TWELVE tries in Bordeaux as Andy Farrell’s side lay down a marker to their rivals with a thumping display against a desperate Romania side

And here’s how Alex Bywater saw the return of Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who played his first game since the Six Nations back in March after a combination of injury and suspension.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-world-cup/article-12499331/Ireland-captain-Johnny-Sexton-returns-six-months-35-degree-heat-Bordeaux-scoring-24-points-against-Romania-way-countrys-record-World-Cup-points-scorer.html

Here’s how MailSport’s Shane McGrath saw the action this afternoon in Bordeaux, as Ireland showed off their World Cup credentials for the first time in this tournament.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-world-cup/article-12499311/Ireland-82-8-Romania-Irish-score-TWELVE-tries-thumping-win-Bordeaux-Andy-Farrells-set-early-World-Cup-marker.html

Crowley’s kick finishes this off. A comfortable victory in the end for Ireland, as many predicted. Much sterner tests to come, but an emphatic result in hot conditions.

Romania went forward, but there was nothing in the tank, and Ireland were able to break forward.

Tadhg Beirne has covered a lot of ground in Bordeaux this afternoon, and he gets the last try.

These final moments have been in slow motion. Waiting for it to be kicked out of play…

He’s been a star man throughout the game, and Bundee Aki has a second try. A great pass from Hansen finds Aki, who uses his pace to burn past the Romanian defence.

Crowley’s third conversion makes it a 67-point lead.

The changes have been made by both sides in warm conditions, but the Irish incoming talent have bedded in really quickly, and it’s all suggesting that Ireland will keep being a force in this tournament.

Ireland continue their strong forward line, and O’Mahony is able to get over the line in the corner to get his second try of the match.

Crowley has two conversions from two after replacing Sexton.

Ireland move into the sixties with the conversion.

It’s not glamorous, but he’ll be happy with that.

But Sexton’s not getting the record today, as he makes way. The returning captain gets a beautiful ovation by the crowd in Bordeaux.

Jack Crowley comes on for his World Cup debut.

Ireland extend their lead, and it’s yet more points for Sexton. After taking Ronan O’Gara’s record at the World Cup, he’s edging closer to taking the all-time points record too.

Conor Murray has come on for Gibson-Park, while Hansen has come on for Earls.

We’re back from the water break – and more changes being made too, including the introduction of Mack Hansen, who wasn’t named in the initial 23.

Bardascu on for Cojocaru, Gontineac on for Manumua.

Iain Henderson and Josh van der Flier are also introduced by Andy Farrell. Ryan and Doris make way.

A new frontline for Romania too, with Savin replacing Hartig after 49 minutes, and Gajion for Gordas two minutes later.

Three forwards, Loughman, Kelleher and O’Toole, on for Porter, Herring and Furlong.

With the conversion, Johnny Sexton has 95 points at the Rugby World Cup for Ireland, and he’s overtaken the great Ronan O’Gara at the top of that record column. A successful comeback for the captain.

Ireland’s dominance continues, and they keep pushing, and trying to get past Romania, eventually finding the space to run in and Peter O’Mahony gets his first try of the game.

That takes Sexton to 15 points for the game – and he’s tied Ireland’s all-time scoring record at the Rugby World Cup.

Romania’s defence manage to hold Ireland out for a little while, but Rob Herring is able to power over the line from close range to extend the lead.

Play has resumed in Bordeaux.

No changes for Ireland as play gets back underway

What will both head coaches makes of that first half? When will they make changes?

MailSport’s Alex Bywater is at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium, and he’s sent through this analysis of the first half.

‘It’s no surprise Ireland are leading comfortably at half time against Romania by 33-8.

‘This is a mismatch in terms of quality, but Ireland’s ball handling and attacking game has been a joy to watch. All 15 of their players are so comfortable on the ball.

‘It’s been interesting to watch their captain Johnny Sexton in his first game since March 16. He’s attacked well against limited opposition but hasn’t been tested defensively.

‘Sexton started with a bit of rust and he kicked the ball away in the build-up to Romania’s shock opener but he’s got better since then.

‘It will be fascinating to see how much of this game he plays.

‘Sexton scored just before the break under the posts but was hit late by Romanian tacklers after he had grounded the ball.

‘It annoyed the rest of the Ireland team and Sexton was seen holding his hand.

‘Time will tell if he reappears for the second half.’

Romania got that shock lead, but five tries for Ireland have put them in a comfortable position, and the bonus point already secured.

But fans will be keeping an eye on Johnny Sexton’s wrist…

He’s been a key part of Ireland’s attack, assisting with tries, and getting one for himself.

The conversion kick is made, and Ireland have a 25-point lead at half-time.

The players will be thankful to get out of the heat for a little while.

Johnny Sexton gets a try after being set up by Aki… but it creates concern for Ireland.

Jason Romane went in on Sexton after he went down, and Sexton was left holding his hand. Not the sight Ireland fans wanted to see with the scoreline so comfortably in their favour.

The Ireland captain gets another couple of points as he looks to hunt down the Irish record for points at the Rugby World Cup.

Another try for Ireland, and they get the bonus point.

Bundee Aki has been an important cog for the men in green so far, and he’s got his reward by getting on the scoresheet.

In only his second start, Joe McCarthy was very close to the line, but came up narrowly short, and that was good defending from Romania to deny them.

As the referee said, that was a little bit cynical, and now Romania will be short of a back. Marius Simionescu will sit out the rest of this opening period.

30 minutes played now, Ireland in the ascendancy

One of the Romania players is changing their boots due to a stud issue spotted by the Georgian referee.

Romania are well organised defensively, but they’re struggling to get out of their own half. It’s only the scores when I remember them being in an attacking mode.

Keenan, Gibson-Park and Lowe work together, and it looks promising, but Jamison Gibson-Park overruns it slightly and the opportunity goes away.

Romania get a line-out, but Ireland turn the ball over, and push forward – but the final pass just misses Keith Earls, and the danger is briefly averted for Romania.

Much needed hydration period for both sides, with the weather about 35 degrees in Bordeaux.

Romania reduce the advantage through Rupanu’s penalty kick awarded after an Ireland offside.

It remains a 14-point cushion for the Irish as Sexton puts the conversion just narrowly wide of the posts.

Great team try from Ireland. There’s great pressure down the right, but the Romanian side are resilient, so it requires Jonny Sexton to play out wide, where it’s simple for Tadhg Beirne to go over the line.

Bundee Aki has been at the centre of almost everything positive from Ireland so far.

Jonny Sexton gets the extra points on his return to the Irish set-up.

That’s two tries and two conversions for the Irish after that early setback.

Ireland begin to go through the gears – and then it’s simple for the men in green to flood through and get their second try of the afternoon through Hugo Keenan.

This was the moment Jamison Gibson-Park levelled the scores.

The first one was called away, but the referee has spoken to both sides, and they’re back for the scrum again, which is comfortably gathered by Romania.

Ball being put in by Romania’s try scorer Rupanu.

Ireland have not looked at full-strength, and an error led to Rupanu’s try, but they have regained the lead quickly to settle those nerves.

The men in green make a quick response. Sexton’s composure helps to set it up. Jamison Gibson-Park taking it over the line for Ireland’s first try.

The lack of a specialist kicker costing them at this early stage.

It’s Romania with the 5-0 lead. He gathered the ball in midfield and made a dazzling run. The perfect start.

A spectacular try from the underdogs.

We’re underway in Bordeaux, Ireland getting us started in their iconic green.

Both anthems sung proudly by the sides, and they’re just moments away in Bordeaux.

The stadium in Bordeaux is a sea of green, with the heat blaring down on both sides.

Romania are in their white change kit for this afternoon’s match.

Is Jonny Sexton back to match sharpness already, or is it going to take a while to readjust in his first game back since the Six Nations?

There’s lots of expectation among the Ireland camp, it’s time to see what results come from that.

It’s a gorgeous day in Bordeaux right now, but the heat may be a factor for both sides, who are used to playing in cooler climates. It’s now 34 degrees, and they’re going to be battling it out in two hours of pure sunlight. A fascinating encounter awaits.

Just under 20 minutes to go.

This is the tenth Test meeting between the two sides – and Ireland have won all nine previous games, most recently in the 44-10 win over Romania at Wembley Stadium in the 2015 World Cup.

Based on the predictions of many pundits and fans, a 34-point victory today would feel like a disappointment for Ireland.

Through injury and then a three match suspension, Jonny Sexton has been out of action since March. He’s back to captain his country now, in his farewell year. What role will he play as Ireland get going in France?

Group B is a tough challenge for all concerned, with Scotland, South Africa and Tonga the other teams in this group, fighting for just two spots in the quarter-final.

South Africa and Scotland face off tomorrow afternoon. Tonga’s first match is against Ireland next Saturday. Romania face South Africa the following day.

Romania have come up against today’s opponents three times before in Rugby World Cup competition. Three games, three wins for Ireland. Nobody is expecting them to claim their first victory this afternoon – but this is sport, and anything can happen.

This is the team chosen by Romania Head Coach Eugen Apjok for the test of trying to topple the world’s best team. He’s made three changes from their heavy defeat to Italy three weeks ago. Cristi Chirica captains the side in Bordeaux.

Ireland have confirmed their previously announced team, with one change among the replacements. Mack Hansen comes into the 23, replacing Robbie Henshaw, who misses out as a precaution.

Jonny Sexton captains the side in his first outing since March, while forwards Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Dave Kilcoyne remain absent through injury.

Hello, and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the first match in Group B of this year’s Rugby World Cup, seeing Ireland – the world’s leading team by ranking – take on Romania.

After France’s win yesterday, and Italy dominant in action right now, Andy Farrell’s side will also want to get off to the best possible start.

Action in Bordeaux begins at 3.30pm local time, which is 2.30pm in Ireland and the UK, or about an hour away. We’ll have all the build-up and action right here.

Andy Farrell, Ireland’s Head Coach, arrives at the stadium ahead of the match