Ronan O'Gara: Injuries and cards will decide the destination of the Webb Ellis trophy

Ireland and Andy Farrell have gone all in on Johnny Sexton. Past form does not count - you need current form very quickly at the World Cup. Being out of the competitive sphere for such a long time, all his automatics are gone

BIG ASK: At 38, Johnny Sexton needs games and to find his pitch quickly. That’s a tall order for a player who hasn’t played a game since March, believes our columnist. Picture: Inpho/Dan Sheridan

THE World Cup has arrived at our front door. Some folk came looking for a bed, others were content with a burger and a beer. I touched the hem of Stephen Donald’s cloak and sat with the next All Black head coach as we devoured the Examiner’s Rugby World Cup supplement. Surely some Black magic will rub off on us.

The connection between the French public and the event is palpable. Twenty four hours out from kick-off and the anticipation is all about us. It feels huge. When excitement isn’t getting the better of reality, there are four teams that can win this Rugby World Cup and the hosts are one of them. If that’s not something to get excited about, time to check your pulse.