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Earls and Bowe bag doubles as Ireland cruise

KeithEarlsIreRomRWC2015SB
Keith Earls made history as Ireland’s smooth start to the World Cup continued with a routine 44-10 victory over Romania in front of a record crowd at Wembley.

Keith Earls made history as Ireland’s smooth start to the World Cup continued with a routine 44-10 victory over Romania in front of a record crowd at Wembley.

Earls bagged a double for the defending two-time RBS 6 Nations champions to take his World Cup total to seven – level with Brian O’Driscoll at the top of Ireland’s all-time list.

In addition to Earls’ double, fellow winger Tommy Bowe also bagged two and in the latter stages replacement Rob Kearney and Chris Henry crossed for Joe Schmidt’s side.

Lynn Howells’ Romania fought hard but, much like their tournament opener against France four days ago, they were made to pay late on despite a late consolation score from Ovidiu Tonita.

They defended stoutly but on this evidence but will need to show more attacking threat if they are to finish this World Cup with a victory against either Canada or Italy in Pool D.

Ireland’s hopes of finishing top of the pool likely hinge on their final clash with France in Cardiff but with two bonus-point wins from two so far they look to be rounding into form nicely.

89,267 people watched the clash at Wembley, the majority of them wearing green, and Schmidt picked a side that was the oldest in World Cup history.

There were 12 changes in all from the side that beat Canada last weekend and his new-look back three of Simon Zebo, Earls and Bowe were in fine fettle.

The Mighty Oaks did not get their hands on the ball for the first four minutes as Ireland built the phases and kicked accurately.

Madigan – starting at fly-half with key man Jonathan Sexton rested with Italy and France in mind – kicked an early penalty but Romania responded immediately, scrum-half Valentin Calafeteanu levelling up matters.

But every time Ireland got the ball wide they looked dangerous and while Zebo was denied a remarkable solo try for having a foot in touch, Madigan kicked another penalty before their first try arrived.

And this time Zebo turned provider, the Munster man feeding Bowe who finished expertly in the right corner.

Madigan’s conversion made it 13-3 and Ireland were cruising, Earls the next to go over and again it was Zebo turning on the style, the full-back coming into the line before fizzing a pass out to the left for the winger dive over.

This time Madigan hit the post with the extras and Ireland led 18-3 at the break, Romania fighting hard but struggling to live with the Irish pace out wide and a forward pack that were giving scrum-half Eoin Reddan an armchair ride.

After the break the Irish forwards were clearly keen to get in on the act, Cian Healy’s wonderful clearing kick upping the pressure and when Reddan dinked through Earls pounced for his second try.

Madigan’s conversion made it 25-3 but the target was clearly a fourth try, Romania doing extremely well to hold out past the hour mark.

Schmidt then emptied his bench and with Oaks skipper Mihai Macovei in the bin Bowe finally claimed the all-important fourth in the right corner.

Kearney then came on at full-back and crossed for Ireland’s fifth, Zebo again the creator with a sharp break down the left.

The Irish pack got their rewards late on, Henry crossing at the back of a driving maul before Tonita grabbed a consolation try for Romania on the day he broke their appearance record.