VIDEO: Joe Schmidt says World Cup starts now after Romania win

“Next week is the pivotal week,” Schmidt said. “It’s where we can qualify ourselves.”

Ireland boss Joe Schmidt declared that his side’s World Cup starts now after they claimed a convincing bonus-point victory over Romania.

The 44-10 win at Wembley sees Ireland move to the top of Pool D but their progress to the quarter-finals will depend on tougher tests against both France and, more immediately, Italy next Sunday.