World Cups haven’t been form to Robbie Henshaw.

For the third match in a row, the Leinster midfielder pulled up with an harm on the opening week.

It was the identical story in 2015 and 2019. On each events, Henshaw battled again from hamstring points to function later within the match.

There are few fond recollections from the grim quarter-final defeats by the hands of Argentina and the All Blacks. Henshaw, it have to be said, was very good in a dropping trigger on each events. On his day, he’s a potent drive within the Irish midfield. Accidents have been an all-too-regular incidence in his profession, nevertheless.

On Saturday, Henshaw was hooked from bench responsibility on the eleventh hour. ‘Precautionary’ was the official line from the IRFU. We await additional updates on Henshaw however whatever the Leinster midfielder’s health, it seems like Bundee Aki has nailed down his place at inside centre.

Bundee Aki starred for Eire of their 82-8 win towards Romania of their World Cup opener on Saturday

The centre scored two tries for Andy Farrell’s aspect, suggesting he’ll edge out Robbie Henshaw within the video games to return

Henshaw missed out on a spot on the bench for Eire after struggling an harm

The Connacht centre made one other compelling case to inclusion within the huge Pool B conferences with South Africa and the Scots within the coming weeks. Saturday’s opening conflict with the Romanians descended right into a procession within the second-half when their largely semi-pro opponents started to wilt within the sweltering Bordeaux warmth.

However Aki was persistently glorious, particularly throughout a fitful first-half when Andy Farrell’s aspect lacked a little bit of fluency and accuracy.

The Connacht centre has at all times been a bodily presence. He’ll at all times present loads of go-forward ball. He’s a tough man to cease. There’s extra to his sport these days. He’s 33 and, all going effectively, will carry up a half century of caps later on this World Cup.

There is a little more subtly to his sport. His imaginative and prescient and passing has improved immeasurably. Aki has emerged as a pacesetter on this squad, mirroring his influence again on the Sportsground. He’s faster than folks assume as effectively, witness the flip of tempo for his brace of deserved tries.

Crucially, he brings a lot aggression on the defensive aspect of issues. Primarily, he’s Johnny Sexton’s bodyguard on that entrance. Any staff which fancy sending some visitors down the Eire captain’s channel must cope with Aki arriving onto the scene with venom.

He seems to be nailed-on to function towards South Africa in a fortnight’s time. Farrell didn’t be taught an enormous quantity from Saturday’s facile victory, however any notions of a midfield conundrum have been settled. Garry Ringrose’s place within the staff has lengthy been assured.

Henshaw seems to be destined to play the position of a an influence sub, if/when he will get again into competition. Not a nasty choice to have.

So what else did we be taught? These form of video games are at all times a bit unusual. They at all times really feel a bit lose-lose. This, in spite of everything, was the No1 aspect on the globe taking over the bottom ranked staff within the World Cup.

Farrell is unlikely to have learnt an awesome deal from the opening sport win however the midfield debate may now be settled

Gabriel Rupanu opened the scoring for Romania to ship some nerves by means of the Irish ranks..

What are you able to be taught from an examination like that? Steamroll the opposition and they’re merely written off as World Cup cannon fodder. If the minnows pitch up and make a sport of it, your are pilloried for not not crushing an inferior drive.

And within the opening jiffy, that acquainted sinking feeling started to sink in. When Gabriel Rupanu raced onto Hinckley Vaovasa’s shoulder to attain the opening attempt of the afternoon, you would sense some jitteriness within the Irish ranks.

It was solely an early scare, although. Eire quickly relaxed into their sport and, as soon as they settled into their customary section play, they merely had an excessive amount of precision, energy and panache for the Romanians. It was 33-8 on the break. It may have been extra if a couple of extra passes had caught.

Paul O’Connell received’t be proud of a couple of wayward lineouts. That set piece is so essential for Eire’s sport. Enhancements are wanted with the Springboks plotting an aerial demolition job on James Ryan and Co.

Disrupting Eire’s rhythm is the blueprint for victory. When Farrell aspect’s get into their section play and start to construct momentum, they give the impression of being spectacular. It was the identical story on Saturday.

However when you get at them, decelerate their provide of possession and make it a bit messy, then all bets are off. There have been little moments of defiance from the Romanians on that entrance on Saturday. Small moments, sure, however the Boks and Scotland may have taken discover.

However Aki’s brace have been a part of 12 tries scored by the aspect ranked No 1 on this planet as they stormed to victory 

The dozen included a brace for the skilled Peter O’Mahony towards Romania

Maybe probably the most putting factor about successfully all of Eire’s dozen tries on Saturday was the style with which they have been created. The overwhelming majority have been constructed. There was little or no off the cuff.

Do Eire, for all their many strengths, lack a little bit of inspiration? Do they possess a game-breaker within the mould of a Colbe, Ioane or Penaud. No, is the blunt reply.

They do have loads of excessive calibre gamers who break tackles, work tirelessly and entrance up in an enormous method. Aki could be very a lot high of that listing.

Twelve tries for Eire on week one. Not a nasty begin. The No 12 debate seems to be settled as effectively.