Sexton 'delighted to be back' after making sharp return

Even accounting for the quality of the opposition, Johnny Sexton's edge doesn't appear to have become blunt over the course of his six-month layoff.

Coming into the Rugby World Cup, the big question hanging over Ireland would be how their retiring captain would get back up to speed having been sidelined since March.

The 38-year-old overtook John Hayes as Ireland's oldest ever men's international in the 82-8 win against Romania in Bordeaux, and his points total of 24 - which included two tries - showed he's still at the top of his game even as he nears the end of his career.

Most impressively, it was the veteran out-half that maintained the pace in he Irish attack when the brutal 35C heat was sapping the energy of others.

It was his delayed pass that played in Bundee Aki to set up Ireland's opening try, while his quick thinking for a tap-penalty led to Romania giving up a yellow card in the opening half. His opening try arrived as he sprinted off the shoulder of Jamison Gibson-Park, while his second saw him charge determinedly back against the grain to score.

All in all, it was an impressive 65 minutes on his return.

"Obviously delighted to be back," he said after the game.

"I didn't expect conditions to be like that, it was incredibly hot in the warm-up in particular.

"I'm delighted to get through some minutes, we got through some good stuff, but there's lots to improve on, both individually and as a team, and we know the challenge next week is going to be up a couple of levels.

"We're very, very happy with five points, and a good points difference as well, which could matter at the end of the pool."

While it was an overall positive performance, Ireland looked scattered at times after the first half water break on 20 minutes and