Ireland got off to a rare perfect start in their opening game of the World Cup, with an 82-8 win over Romania in the searing Bordeaux sun.
Romania did send the nation into shock after an early third minute try through Gabriel Rupanu, but Ireland responded with 12 of their own.
Some of the highlights included Sexton not missing a beat after his long lay-off, O'Mahony putting in a man-of-the-match shift, Earls showing that he still has it, and young Joe McCarthy continuing to repay Farrell's faith.
The majority of the main 23 can now enjoy a rest and truly look ahead to the showdown against South Africa on 23 September.
Ireland Player Ratings vs Romania
15. Hugo Keenan - 6.5/10
Had a few uncharacteristic loose kicks, but took his try very well, and was his usual error free self in all other aspects of the game.
Remains one of Ireland's most crucial pieces and is unlikely to start against Tonga.
14. Keith Earls - 6.5/10
Nothing much came down Earls' wing, but whenever he saw ball he made the right decision.
Even at 35-years-old his pace and acceleration is still causing problems for defences.
13. Garry Ringrose - 7/10
Out shone by his inside man, but he was more than happy to play facilitator to Aki, as he put in a solid shift.
12. Bundee Aki - 9/10
A superb showing from Aki, who was the best player on the pitch, and seemed to be heavily involved in the majority of Ireland's scores.
Romania couldn't handle his carrying, and he showed great pace to take his first-half try, while chipping in with a few assists.
It is looking like an Aki/Ringrose centre partnership for South Africa.
9 September 2023; Bundee Aki of Ireland is tackled by Marius Simionescu of Romania during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
11. James Lowe - 8/10
Popped up everywhere as per usual, and along with Aki was Ireland's most dangerous back.
10. Johnny Sexton - 8.5/10
A perfect return for the captain, as he pulled the backline strings remarkably well considering the time off he has had, and scored two tries.
Had a bit of an injury scare after diving in for his try, but it may teach him not to jog in for a score in future.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 7.5/10
The other half of a partnership that ran the show. His snappy style was tailored made for such a game, with Romania constantly on the back foot.
Scored Ireland's first try, to put an entire nation back at ease after Romania had opened the scoring.
1. Andrew Porter - 6.5/10
Did the 'unseen' work along with the rest of his front row buddies, before being hauled off at 50 minutes.
Ireland dominating the set-piece throughout the game = job done.
9 September 2023; Andrew Porter of Ireland is tackled by Ovidiu Cojocaru of Romania during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
2. Rob Herring - 6/10
A couple of errant of line outs bring his score down, but he is still such a reliable operator and showed good strength for his tap-and-go try.
3. Tadhg Furlong - 6/10
Similar performance to Andrew Porter, but will perhaps want more minutes against Tonga as he continues to get back to full match fitness.
4. Joe McCarthy - 8/10
One of Ireland's stand outs in the first-half, constantly looking to get involved, and finally got rewarded with a second-half try after numerous close calls including being held up in the first-half.
Looks like he is ahead of Iain Henderson in the pecking order, but will he get ahead of one of Beirne or O'Mahony?
9 September 2023; Joe McCarthy of Ireland scores his side's ninth try during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
5. James Ryan - 6.5/10
He doesn't tend to shine in these type of games against the minnows, but was rock solid throughout.
Had a nice try assist in the first-half.
6. Tadhg Beirne - 7/10
Shone in the first-half but was less visible in the second before running a late try. Had a new role to play at six and performed admirably.
7. Peter O'Mahony - 8/10
The Player of the Match.
Ireland's top tackler, while also showing off his excellent set of hands throughout the match and chipping in with two tries.
Will be very interesting to see what Farrell does with the trio of POM/McCarthy/Beirne against South Africa.
9 September 2023; Peter O’Mahony of Ireland scores his side's tenth try during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
8. Caelan Doris - 6.5/10
A quiet game for Ireland's best player over the last year or so. Such are the expectations surrounding him that when he's not putting in an all-action shift full of huge carries and turnovers, then it is seen as a slight disappointment.
Replacements
16. Rónan Kelleher - 6/10
More than anything, it was great to see Kelleher complete a solid 30 minutes.
17. Jeremy Loughman - 6/10
A couple of errors made off the bench, but none the less it is a testament to him that he was on the pitch given that he didn't even make Ireland's initial World Cup training squad.
18. Tom O'Toole - 6/10
Solid showing in his 30 minutes of play.
19. Iain Henderson - 6/10
Didn't do anything wrong but may be disappointed he didn't make more of an impact given McCarthy's rise.
20. Josh van der Flier - 7/10
It felt unfair bringing on the reigning World Player of the Year off the bench, and he made a couple of excellent line break after coming on.
9 September 2023; Josh van der Flier of Ireland before the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
21. Conor Murray - 6.5/10
Did exactly what he was meant to do; provide fresh legs, experience, and kept the good times going at the base of the ruck.
22. Jack Crowley - 7/10
Another positive display from a man whose star keeps on rising.
Had a great day off the tee.
23. Mack Hansen - 7/10
The form man in the country continued his hot streak and was an utter nuisance against tiring legs.
Coach. Andy Farrell - 8/10
Not much to do against Romania but all went to plan.
SEE ALSO: Johnny Sexton Was Not Happy With Actions Of Romania Player During Rugby World Cup Try
