Rugby World Cup 2023 LIVE: Ireland vs Romania score and updates after Italy thrash Namibia

Ireland begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Romania with the return of Johnny Sexton.

The veteran fly half hands head coach Andy Farrell a major boost as the world’s No 1-ranked team look to overcome a lopsided draw and a tricky pool to secure glory in France.

Unbeaten in 2023, the Irish will hope to go at least one further than Japan 2019, when a crushing loss to New Zealand ended their hopes in the quarter-finals. But with the All Blacks and hosts France in Pool A, they will have to do it the hard way should they themselves advance from Pool B.

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Ireland 7-5 Romania, 9 minutes

These are very shallow in-goal areas - Gibson-Park almost ran out of room having taken a few strides after crossing the line there.

Heavy breathing already as Ireland knock on 30 metres from their own line. How will Romania’s scrum fare? Ireland put weight on too soon and the Oaks are happy to set it again.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:41

TRY! IRELAND 7-5 Romania (Jamison Gibson-Park, 6 minutes)

Ireland hit back!

That’s what they can do. A first chance with ball inside Romania’s half and Ireland open their opponents up, Johnny Sexton driving to the line and putting Bundee Aki into a hole. Garry Ringrose and Jamison Gibson-Park provide support and the latter can go in untouched.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:39

TRY! Ireland 0-5 ROMANIA (Gabriel Rupanu try, 3 minutes)

What a start for Romania!

Well isn’t that a turn up for the books? The first try of the game is Romania’s, Hinckley Vaovasa shuffling across to collect an angled grubber from Johnny Sexton and seeing only space in front of him with Keith Earls overcomitting to his pursuit.

Vaovasa races up the touchline and finds his half back partner to the inside, with Gabriel Rupanu scuttling over to put Romania in front.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:35

Ireland 0-0 Romania, 2 minutes

James Lowe shields his eyes from the sun twice in succession as Romania punt balls his way. It is incredibly bright in the Stade de Bordeaux.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:35

Ireland 0-0 Romania, 1 minute

A solid first clearance from Hinckley Vaovasa, stepping in at ten to try and solve a problem area for Romania.

Rob Herring doesn’t quite get his first throw right, and the hooker can’t salvage the situation as he tries to corral a loose ball. Romania instigate a bit of kick tennis.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:34

KICK OFF!

Ireland in green, Romania in white, the Stade de Bordaux bathed in sunshine. Johnny Sexton will get things underway on his return to action - he drops ball to boot, and we are up and running in Pool B.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:33

Ireland vs Romania

It would appear that tournament organisers are persisting with anthems sung by choirs of children, with recordings of “Ireland’s Call” and “Deșteaptă-te, române!” played at the Stade de Bordeaux. Oddly haunting.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:30

Ireland vs Romania

A few Irish fans in the sunshine have shed their shirts, soaking up the rays ahead of kick off. Sexton and Chirica have a quick chat and mutually agree to step into the shade before the anthems are played.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:28

Ireland vs Romani

Here they come then, Johnny Sexton fiddling with his shirt and slapping the mascots on the shoulders as he heads the Irish line. Cristian Chirica, scrum cap in hand, leads his Romanian side out into the tunnel.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:26

Ireland vs Romania

A good number of travelling Ireland fans in Bordeaux, a wonderfully charming city on the Garonne. They’ve taken the tram out to the Stade de Bordeaux, which thankfully provides plenty of shade from the burning afternoon sun.

Harry Latham-Coyle9 September 2023 14:23