Canada opt to head to the replacements bench early in this second half, with Djustice Sears-Duru, Jebb Sinclair and Phil Mack all introduced.

Paul O'Connell, remember, is still in the bin for Ireland - but still their numerical disadvantage has yet to be reflected on the scoreboard.

This has opened right up since the break as Canada try to force the issue. Just as they look to do some serious damage, however, another handling error creeps in and hands the initiative back to Ireland.

An exhaustive passage of play is at last brought to an end when Johnny Sexton kicks to touch - unfortunately for Ireland and frustratingly for Sexton, on the full.

Image source, AFP

Denis Hickie
Former Ireland winger on Radio 5 live extra

"Ireland look a bit ragged, Canada are sticking it to them, they are in the ascendancy a bit."

Maggie Alphonsi, a member of the England side that won the Women's World Cup in 2014, is watching on.

Former featherweight world champion boxer Barry McGuigan is impressed.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at the Millennium Stadium

"Mission accomplished so far for Ireland after a composed and ruthless first-half display with a bonus point already secured.

"Johnny Sexton's return to form will have delighted Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. "Expect the fly-half and a few other key Ireland players to be hauled off early in the second half."

Ireland survive the storm though and, even with a man less, try to play their way out of their own half.

But another penalty, this time for playing the ball on the ground, gives Canada a second opportunity to head for touch.

They've started well, have the Canadians! They're deep inside Irish territory, and have themselves a penalty on halfway too, given away by Ireland captain Paul O'Connell.

The 105-cap lock is sent to the sin bin too. Not how Joe Schmidt will have planned the opening moments of the second period.

Image source, Reuters

Right then, what can Canada muster in this second period? Fly-half Nathan Hirayama gets us moving again.

Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole is enjoying the performance.

We asked you before kick-off how you thought Ireland would do at this World Cup, and 42% of you, the winning vote, think they'll reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Has what you've seen in the opening 40 minutes done much to change your mind? Let us know via #bbcrugby on Twitter.

Image source, Getty Images

Canada had a lot of tackles to make in that half and Kyle Gilmour topped the count with 11, and no misses. Lock Brett Beukeboom and prop Hubert Buydens made nine each.

Canadian tight-head prop Jason Marshall, who misses the World Cup because of a rib injury, writes on Twitter that he is encouraged by his side's performance.

Denis Hickie
Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That is a blow to Canada, they did not deserve to go in at half-time with no points. They defended heroically, especially with 14 men, and worked Ireland in that last passage of play.

"For Ireland that was a bit of a jolt before half-time but they will be happy they managed to keep Canada out. 

"Ireland overall will be happy how they are playing - they're scoring tries and have kept Canada out."

And with that comes Glen Jackson's half-time whistle.

It's been a business-like 40 minutes from Ireland, who lead by 29 points and have a bonus point secured at the interval.

Image source, PA

Unlucky for Canada, as it's adjudged that the final pass to wing DTH van der Merwe edged forward, leading to a handful of boos ringing around the Millennium Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

England World Cup winner Lewis Moody is a big fan of Ireland's Iain Henderson.

Dave Kearney might have scored the try but it is brother Rob who has been Ireland's most potent attacking weapon so far, with 52 metres made from an energetic 12 carries.