Ireland captain Johnny Sexton returns after six months out in 35-degree heat in Bordeaux, scoring 24 points against Romania on his way to being country’s record World Cup points scorer

At 38, Johnny Sexton could probably have done without making his comeback after six months on the sidelines in the testing heat of Bordeaux, where temperatures reached 35 degrees.

Unfortunately for the decorated fly-half, he had no choice but to start here for what was his first game since March 16. With two tries and a total of 24 points, it wasn’t a bad return to the office. Ireland captain Sexton had not played prior to this comprehensive 82-8 World Cup win over Romania due to a combination of injury and suspension.

He suffered a groin problem during the Six Nations Grand Slam success against England in Dublin and was subsequently suspended for abusing match officials. To be honest, he was lucky to be able to play here.

Even in the twilight of his career, there can be no doubt that Sexton is the key to Ireland’s World Cup hopes. Indeed, it is difficult to escape the feeling that Andy Farrell’s side will not win without him.

That’s why this match against Romania was so important.

The Ireland captain scored 24 points, including two tries, as he comfortably defeated Romania

There was no doubt about the result, but it was a chance for Sexton to warm up for international rugby again in the coming weeks, with bigger fish to fry.

It was no surprise that it started out with some degree of rust. Sexton’s kick-off flew through the air rather ugly. And when he went looking for Keith Earls, things went terribly wrong.

Romania picked up the pace and their scrum-half Gabriel Rupanu scored a shock opener.

Sexton was cheered loudly as his name was read out before kick-off. The huge numbers of Irish fans enjoying the heat in Bordeaux know how important he is to their team.

The only shame was that some of them weren’t there to witness the start of Sexton’s return, with many missing the kick-off due to Bordeaux’s tram system being swamped.

Sexton quickly became enthusiastic about his work at the center of Ireland’s impressive attacking play.

He produced two lovely passes to Bundee Aki and kicked two from three conversions as Jamison Gibson-Park, Hugo Keenan and Tadhg Beirne all scored in quick succession.

A drinks break midway through the first half allowed Sexton and Ireland to catch their breath.

They were completely dominant. After seeing England struggle so badly in attack last month, watching Ireland felt like a completely different sport.

Romanian scrum-half Gabriel Rupanu scored a shock opener to put the underdogs ahead

Bundee Aki caused carnage in the Romanian defense and gifted Sexton with a rare try

The beauty of their attacking game lies in the ability of their carries to free their hands in the tackle and a teammate always on their shoulder for support.

The seamless Irish play between forwards and backs is also very impressive, with every player on the pitch handling the ball with ease.

Sexton set up Aki’s try from wide, having taken a quick tap earlier. Then came the moment he would have thought about during his time on the sidelines.

Aki caused absolute carnage in the Romanian defense and he set up an easy finish for Sexton for a rare try under the posts, improving the fly-half.

Sexton was hit late while scoring and appeared to hurt his hand. The Romanian tackle caused a lot of frustration among the rest of the Irish team.

Sexton did get his team ahead 33-8 before the start of the second half and immediately produced a brilliant kick when touched. Defensively he was not tested at all.

Ireland rioted after the break as Romania tired from the heat. There were 12 Irish tries.

Sexton’s conversion from Peter O’Mahony’s effort meant he passed Ronan O’Gara as Ireland’s record scorer for World Cup points.

Sexton overtook Ronan O’Gara as Ireland’s World Cup record scorer with one of his kicks

Sexton was replaced in the 66th minute to a standing ovation, but tougher tasks lie ahead

Sexton now has 102 World Cup points to O’Gara’s 93 and has 1074 in all tests for Ireland, just nine short of O’Gara’s tally of 1083. It is one he will almost certainly break in France.

Such a milestone would be a nice way for him to end his international career.

He will retire at the end of the World Cup but wants to finish at the highest level and he has started well. He got his second try by crashing over from close range.

Sexton was substituted in the 66th minute and cheered from the pitch as many Irish supporters gave him a standing ovation. But he will know that with Tonga, South Africa and Scotland entering Pool B, there are tougher tasks ahead.