Sexton ready to go as Ireland squad takes shape

Joe Schmidt has spent four years building a greater strength in depth into the Ireland squad but Jonathan Sexton knows that the success of such endeavours will be judged on how the team fares at the World Cup.

Ireland were deprived of key men for the quarter-final against Argentina four years ago. They paid the price with an ultimately comprehensive defeat but travel to Japan in the hope that this squad of 31 is better prepared for any such circumstances.