KOBE, JAPAN – OCTOBER 03: Rhys Ruddock of Ireland scores his team’s third try as John Ryan of Ireland celebrates during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Ireland and Russia at Kobe Misaki Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Ireland 35-0 Russia: Rugby World Cup results and highlights

Ireland beat Russia 35-0 as they bounced back from their stunning upset by Japan with an important bonus-point win at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday.

by Digital Editors

03-10-2019 10:15

in Rugby World Cup

Ireland returned to winning ways at the Rugby World Cup but were far from impressive in a 35-0 victory over Russia in Kobe on Thursday.

For all Ireland, the victims of a shock 19-12 defeat by hosts Japan last weekend, had made 11 changes, the fact it took them more an hour to secure a bonus point against a gutsy but limited Russia side would have been a cause for concern.

Victory also came at a cost.

Fly-half Joey Carbery withdrew from his bench role shortly before kick-off with an a longstanding ankle problem, while an injury-hit Ireland saw number eight Jordi Murphy, who only arrived a few days ago after Jack Conan was ruled out, go off before half-time.

The result was rarely in doubt, with Rob Kearney scoring the first of Ireland’s five tries 90 seconds into the match.

Peter O’Mahony and Rhys Ruddock also crossed Russia’s line in the opening period with Jonathan Sexton, captaining Ireland for the first time, after the star fly-half missed the Japan loss with a thigh injury, converting all three tries.