A rusty Ireland side has opened up its Rugby World Cup campaign in less than convincing fashion with a 45-17 win over Romania at Central Coast Stadium.

The Irish were expected to be too good for the Romanians - and largely were - but failed to sparkle against the plucky Oaks.

With a roaring wind at their back in the first half, the Irish opened up a handy 26-0 lead courtesy of tries to Shane Horgan and inspirational captain Keith Wood.

But the scoreline failed to reflect the Romanian effort and a forward pack led by prop Petru Balan that refused to be dominated.

A 44th minute penalty try to Romania's all-time leading try-scorer Gabriel Brezoianu put The Oaks back in the game and it was only some selfish play by winger Cristian Sauan that stopped the outsiders putting on another five-pointer just five minutes later.

In the end the class of the third-rated Irish showed with a double to winger Dennis Hickie and a try to tireless flanker Victor Costello proving more than enough.

Outstanding Irish centre Brian O'Driscoll, who took a heavy knock in the first half, had his moments but failed to break a try-scoring drought that has lasted almost 18 months.

Wood lookalike Balan was outstanding for the Romanians before being replaced midway through the second half while fullback Girvan Dempsey showed much in attack for the Irish.

The four-try win earned Ireland a bonus point and lifted them to the top of Pool A in the tussle with Argentina, Australia and Namibia for two quarter-final berths.

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