Sluggish ruggers topple Romania

Looking for a good display before two rugby World Cup qualifying games, against Russia and Georgia, later this month, the Irish failed to gel against a modest Romanian challenge.

Without the inspiration of captain Keith Wood, who missed the game due to the sudden death of his older brother, the winners still managed to lead 32-3 at the changeover, but the second half was a disappointment with only one try by Rob Henderson added to the total.

There were notable contributions from John Hayes, Peter Stringer and Kevin Maggs. However, the loss of the team’s best attacker, Brian O’Driscoll, at halftime with a thigh strain didn’t help matters.