DYNAMIC hooker Keith Wood led the way with four tries as Ireland swamped the United States 53-8 in the opening World Cup Pool E match for both teams at Lansdowne Road on Saturday night. The fiery Irish had too much pace, too much poise and too much power for their largely part-time opponents and Wood completely demolished the feeble American defence. Ireland’s points came from tries to wing Justin Bishop, centre Brian O’Driscoll, four to Wood and a penalty try, while fly-half David Humphreys kicked four conversions and two penalties and replacement Eric Elwood kicked two conversions. Wood scored three of his tries in a sensational five-minute burst late in the game as the Americans wilted. The United States got a try from scrum-half Kevin Dalzell, who also landed a penalty, but the Americans dropped too much possession to be a serious threat and spent most of the match on the back foot in their own half. The United States, trying to bounce back from 106-8 loss to England at Twickenham five weeks ago, were without back-rower Rob Lumkong, who was ruled out by a knee injury. They were more competitive this time, but their tendency to overelaborate on attack, and to bunch their backline, proved expensive against a well-disciplined Irish side. Ireland, who led 24-8 at halftime, have now won all three meetings between the teams.