ohnny Sexton has floor to make up, therefore why there will probably be no wrapping the Ireland talisman in cotton wool on Saturday.

Fly-half Sexton will make his first look in six months after harm and suspension when Ireland open their World Cup account against Romania in Bordeaux.

The Lions star would have been held again from a match like this in instances previous, with Ireland seeking to defend their most essential asset. But head coach Andy Farrell has broadened Ireland’s horizons, and Sexton wants the match motion.

Sexton suffered a groin harm in Ireland’s Grand Slam-sealing 29-16 win over England in Dublin in March. The 38-year-old was then suspended for “confrontational and aggressive” behaviour in the direction of referee Jaco Peyper following Leinster’s Champions Cup ultimate loss to La Rochelle in May.

Sexton didn't even play in that match by harm, however needed to sit out Ireland’s full warm-up programme along with his three-match ban.

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Now, the star playmaker is able to get cracking, not least as a result of Ireland face Tonga, South Africa and Scotland forward in a brutal Pool B.

“Hopefully, I can go out and play well and have a good performance,” mentioned Sexton. “I expect that of myself and there’s no excuses in that regard. I’ve been focused on this game for the last couple of months and looking forward to finally getting back on the pitch.

“I’m delighted to be back, playing for Ireland is always special, and extra special when it comes to a World Cup, so I’m very happy to be back in the team and really looking forward to it.

“Getting back fit from the injury was the first challenge and then being able to reintegrate back into the team, getting back up to speed when you’re a bit behind.

“You’ve got to work hard to stay fit and improve your fitness, so that’s what I’ve tried to do over the last couple of months. We’ve trained hard and, hopefully, it pays off on Saturday.”

Ireland have by no means made it to a Rugby World Cup semi-final, regardless of a number of golden technology groups falling on the last-eight hurdle. The 2019 staff went to Japan with hopes excessive of breaking that duck, solely to bomb out to New Zealand within the final eight.

Ireland enter this World Cup ranked No1 on the planet, with captain Sexton and boss Farrell placing collectively a formidable staff and gameplan.

Ireland have by no means made it to a Rugby World Cup semi-final, regardless of a number of golden technology groups

Ireland have made 10 modifications from that March Grand Slam showdown in opposition to England to tackle Romania, in a recreation they must win with one thing to spare.

Sexton insisted Ireland don't carry any hang-ups about their earlier World Cup performances.

“I know we always get tarnished with the fact that we haven’t got past the quarter-finals, but we have some amazing memories from World Cups,” mentioned Sexton.

“We’ve been very successful in our pools and come away with some big victories. A few have ended badly, but we’re not carrying any baggage.”