While some may have wanted Ireland to face one of the tougher group opponents in their first two World Cup games, it has worked out well given the suspension of their most crucial man, Johnny Sexton.
With Sexton missing all three World Cup warm-up fixtures, there has been plenty of worry over his match readiness for the big thing, but if anything it will work out in the 38-year-old's favour.
There will be no fear of him getting injured in a meaningless game against Italy, England, or Samoa, and he will have two games - Romania and Tonga - to get him nicely up to speed for Ireland's crucial clash with South Africa on September 23.
On his podcast, The Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald echoed these thoughts, and even alluded to a recent conversation with his old teammate Sexton, to back-up his beliefs.
And I think him being out and getting the three match ban, I think it's actually a good thing.
And I said to him, I actually don't think it matters to you at this stage of your career.
I said, like you've got like 15 years in the bank of playing 100 matches, 100 test matches, all the trainings, you've seen the scenarios.
Luke Fitzgerald Discusses Johnny Sexton's Match Readiness
The Left Wing is back for another season and what a year it promises to be!
Luke Fitzgerald explains why he thinks it's a good thing that Johnny Sexton is unavailable for the three World Cup warm-up matches.
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READ HERE: O'Connell Pinpoints Reasons Why Johnny Sexton Will 'Hit The Ground Running' After Suspension
"And it was interesting, I think he kind of, I'm not sure, he says he usually takes two games to get back up to speed in his own mind to get to play on top. He says that's what he thinks he needs," continued Fitzgerald.
"And I said, I'm not sure it even takes that for you anymore. And I didn't get much fight off him to be honest and I think it was interesting to hear him say that.
"So I would actually be quite bullish on him I think he actually might be coming in at a perfect time and I think it might preserve him if we can get through that quarterfinal."
Ireland take on Italy this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium [kick-off: 8pm].
SEE ALSO: The Irish Rugby Jersey Will Have A Major Change In The World Cup Warm-Ups
