Hickie's second re-ignites match

Denis Hickie's second try of the match has re-ignited what had become a stagnant game against Romania in the Pool A clash of the Rugby World Cup.

Ronan O'Gara, who came on as a substitute, has converted.

Romania got off to a flying start in the second half, getting a try on the board inside five minutes.

Admittedly, they benefited from a degree of good fortune when Valentin Maftei’s kick ahead bounced perfectly for Gabriel Brezoianu to hack on.

But, having got clear of last man Humphreys, the winger was only prevented from touching down by the Irish stand-off’s shove in the back and South African official Jonathan Kaplan awarded a penalty try after consulting the video referee.

Tofan converted but failed with a penalty shortly afterwards which would really have put Ireland under some pressure.

However, the Romanians were not finished and when Tofan smashed a drop goal against an upright, skipper Romeo Gontineac charged onto the loose ball only to be held up just short.

Romania recycled quickly and a second try looked inevitable, only for Sauan to go by himself when a pass to his left would have put Brezoianu in. Instead, Sauan was tackled, Ireland conceded a penalty and Tofan slotted it home.

Ireland had momentarily been stunned but they quickly responded with Australian-raised back-row Keith Gleeson sending Dempsey away. The full-back just failed to get home himself but Denis Hickie was in support and he tumbled over the line.

Pack pair Marcus Horan and Anthony Foley left the field just before the hour mark, replaced by John Hayes and Alan Quinlan.

Almost immediately, Victor Costello barged through Tofan for the try which handed Ireland their vital bonus point.

Latest score: Ireland 45 Romania 10.