Ireland romped home against Romania in front of a record RWC attendance crowd of 89, 267 at Wembley Stadium, scoring six tries in the process.
Much like Canada last week, it was a convincing and comfortable win as Romania struggled to deal with their opponent's speed and intensity.
It was pleasing to see from an Irish perspective, as they didn't even have to move into top gear to dispose of the Romanians, with the basics being done right and clinical finishing enough to secure the bonus point win, and then some.
Tommy Bowe put his performance against England behind him to grab a double, as did Keith Earls, with further scores from Rob Kearney and Chris Henry
Ireland dominated from the start with two Ian Madigan penalties sandwiching a Vali Calafeteanu strike, before the floodgates began to open.
Simon Zebo had a try disallowed for a foot in touch after a magnificent break, but Ireland didn't have to wait much longer as Bowe grabbed his first try in the right corner with an excellent finish. It all stemmed from Ireland's 22', with Earls rising highest to claim and begin the attack.
Magic from Zebo, but it won't count as his foot was in touch #IRE #ROM pic.twitter.com/rhWosiU5BO
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
This time it does count, TOMMY BOOOOWWWWWWE #IREvROM http://t.co/1WG8Jj1p4b pic.twitter.com/gZKoqHIAEH
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
Zebo was excellent throughout and his marvellouos skip pass sent Earls through for his first after going through the phases.
Another piece of magic from Simon Zebo with a stunning pass to set up Earls #IRE http://t.co/1WG8Jj1p4b pic.twitter.com/mz0aumAGhi
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
It was a thoroughly entertaing first half played at a high tempo with precision handling, and that showed as the first scrum of the game didn't arrive until the 33rd minute.
Ireland couldn't find a third before the break as they went in 18-3 ahead at the interval, but they came out firing in the second 40. It took only three minutes before they did get the third as Earls gathered and finished a clever grubber from Eoin Reddan, who had a fine game himself.
A bit of luck about the kick, but beautiful finishing from Earls #IREvROM http://t.co/1WG8Jj1p4b pic.twitter.com/YEKauE5eep
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
The game descended into a sloppy affair before Ireland regained control and pushed for a bonus point, which came moments after Csaba Gal was sent to the bin for an infringement at ruck time in front of their posts. From the resulting scrum a pre-planned backs move ended with Bowe grabbing his second and the bonuspoint and the job was done with an hour gone on the clock.
The #SoftHands on that #IRE try were so good even the cameraman was left chasing shadows http://t.co/1WG8JjiZVJ pic.twitter.com/RWeHfwYnXt
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
The fifth came minutes later and it was the score of the day as quick hands sent Zebo racing down the left and his inside ball sent Kearney through for the corner. The full-back seemed to injure himself when grounding the ball and that may be a cause of concern going forward.
Kearney, barely on the pitch a wet minute, goes over for a try as #IRE put 14 man #ROM to the sword pic.twitter.com/0mqe8sdQMo
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
A sixth try duly came, this time through the forwards as they set up the rolling maul from a lineout inside the 22' and they obliterated the Romanian challenge with Chris Henry grounding.
They see us maulin', they hatin'... #RWC2015 #IREvROM http://t.co/1WG8Jj1p4b pic.twitter.com/WO3TXKCPhw
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) September 27, 2015
The Oaks did have the final say however, as Ovidiu Tonita barreled over under the posts, much to the delight of the Romanian support, but it was too easy for them as Ireland seemed to switch off with only a minute remaining.
Ireland pushed for a seventh as the clock moved into the red but it didn't come as Craig Joubert blew for full time.
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