Andy Farrell could opt to play Johnny Sexton in every pool game

Finally, the World Cup will get underway in France this weekend.

This World Cup cycle has been hugely positive for Ireland, a clear evolution since the 2019 quarter-final loss to New Zealand.

Not to suggest, however, that is has all been plain sailing either. Andy Farrell and his coaches took some time to change the shape of Ireland's game, instilling different habits and thought processes around their decision-making on the field.

They’re the form team, coming into the tournament as grand slam winners. Last time around in 2019, Ireland had won the slam a year early, and started to creak with a couple of defeats to England in the World Cup year.

If Ireland are to break the cycle of quarter-final exits, you’d have to think that this is their year.

It’s Romania up first for the world number 1 side on Saturday (2.30pm Irish time), followed by Tonga and South Africa before a week off, finishing their pool games with a feisty encounter against Six Nations rivals Scotland.

Talisman Johnny Sexton hasn’t played since the Six Nations, so naturally, a lot of the conversation has been around which games he’ll play and how much pitch time he’ll see.

Most of this is because the team captain turned 38 during the summer and there are assumptions around his ability to play consecutive games. Added to this, his importance to the team’s success against tier 1 countries and the risks associated with him playing in very winnable games otherwise.

The 2018 Player of the Year has shown in the past that he can produce a performance without much game time. This is possibly a reflection on his mentality, his knowledge of the game and the seriousness in which he takes every session.

How much game time does he really need to guide Ireland to victory against