Unconvincing Ireland too strong for Russia at Rugby World Cup

Friday, 4 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ireland's prop John Ryan (L) prepares for a scrum during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Ireland and Russia at the Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe on 3 October 2019

AFP: Ireland returned to winning ways at the Rugby World Cup but were far from impressive in a 35-0 victory over Russia in Kobe on Thursday.

For all Ireland, the victims of a shock 19-12 defeat by hosts Japan last weekend, had made 11 changes, the fact it took them more an hour to secure a bonus point against a gutsy but limited Russia side would have been a cause for concern.

Victory also came at a cost.

Fly-half Joey Carbery withdrew from his bench role shortly before kick-off with an a longstanding ankle problem, while an injury-hit Ireland saw number eight Jordi Murphy, who only arrived a few days ago after Jack Conan was ruled out, go off before half-time.

“We're delighted to get back on the horse after last week and to pick up the bonus point was exactly what we're looking for tonight,” said Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton.

The result was rarely in doubt, with Rob Kearney scoring the first of Ireland's five tries 90 seconds into the match.

Peter O'Mahony and Rhys Ruddock also crossed Russia's line in the opening period with star fly-half Sexton, captaining Ireland for the first time after he missed the Japan loss with a thigh injury, converting all three tries before he departed at half-time.

But Ireland's display was not akin to their 62-12 thrashing of Russia at the 2011 World Cup or indeed reigning champions New Zealand's 63-0 rout of Canada on Wednesday.

Instead this performance suggested Ireland, who could face either the All Blacks or South Africa in the quarter-finals should they beat Samoa in their concluding Pool A game on October 12, have work to do if they are to capture a maiden world title and become the first side to lift the Webb Ellis Cup after losing a group-stage match.

Being 'nilled' was tough on Russia, who again posed problems as they had done in 30-10 and 34-9 defeats by Japan and Samoa respectively.