Ireland vs Romania – Rugby World Cup LIVE: Johnny Sexton returns at fly half as Andy Farrell’s world No 1-ranked side bid to make a winning start to their tough Pool B campaign in Bordeaux

Both anthems are sung proudly along the sides, and they are just moments away in Bordeaux.

The stadium in Bordeaux is a sea of ​​green, with the heat blaring down on both sides.

Romania will wear their white alternate kit for this afternoon’s match.

Is Jonny Sexton back on track yet, or will it take a while for him to adjust again in his first game since the Six Nations?

There are a lot of expectations among the Irish camp, it’s time to see what results come from that.

It’s a beautiful day in Bordeaux at the moment, but the heat could be a factor for both sides, who are used to playing in cooler climates. It is now 34 degrees and they are going to battle it out in two hours of pure sunlight. A fascinating encounter awaits you.

Another 20 minutes.

This is the tenth Test meeting between the two sides – and Ireland have won all nine previous matches, most recently in the 44-10 victory over Romania at Wembley Stadium during the 2015 World Cup.

Based on the predictions of many pundits and fans, a 34-point win today would feel like a disappointment for Ireland.

Jonny Sexton has been out of action since March due to an injury and subsequent three-match suspension. He is now back to lead his country in his farewell year. What role will he play as Ireland gets going in France?

Group B is a tough challenge for everyone involved, with Scotland, South Africa and Tonga being the other teams in this group and fighting for just two places in the quarter-finals.

South Africa and Scotland face off tomorrow afternoon. Tonga’s first match is against Ireland next Saturday. Romania will face South Africa the next day.

Romania have faced today’s opponents three times previously in the Rugby World Cup competition. Three games, three wins for Ireland. No one expects them to get their first win this afternoon, but this is sport and anything can happen.

This is the team chosen by Romanian head coach Eugen Apjok for the test of toppling the best team in the world. He has made three changes after the heavy defeat to Italy three weeks ago. Cristi Chirica is the captain of the team in Bordeaux.

Ireland have confirmed their previously announced squad, with one change among the replacements. Mack Hansen comes into the 23 and replaces Robbie Henshaw, who misses as a precaution.

Jonny Sexton captains the side in his first appearance since March, while strikers Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Dave Kilcoyne remain absent due to injury.

Hello, and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the first match in Group B of this year’s Rugby World Cup, as Ireland – the world’s leading team by rankings – take on Romania.

After France’s victory yesterday and Italy currently dominant in action, Andy Farrell’s side will also want to make the best possible start.

The action in Bordeaux starts at 3.30pm local time, which is 2.30pm in Ireland and Britain, or about an hour’s drive away. We have all the build-up and action here.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell arrives at the stadium ahead of the match