In a nearly unheard turn of events in modern rugby, the Ireland training squad has a clean bill of health, with nearly everyone of the 42-man squad - and added players - available for selection against Italy on Saturday.
Of course, the 'nearly' is down to Johnny Sexton and his much publicised suspension, which will see him miss all three of Ireland's World Cup warm-up matches.
We wrote previously on Stephen Ferris' concerns over Sexton's lengthy lay-off, and his fears over his match and contact sharpness.
However, Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell has addressed concerns and explained why, at out half, Sexton should 'hit the ground running' on his likely return against Romania.
He is very good at being able to come back from injury and hit the ground running.
Out half, you need to be fit but it's maybe not the work rate position that a back three or maybe even some of the forwards is.
"You can come in and hit the ground running pretty well and he's been really good at that. Whenever he's come back from injuries, he rarely needs a lot of games to get back up and running. It's a real strength of his.
Paul O'Connell Is Backing His Old Teammate Johnny Sexton
16 November 2013; Irish rugby ; Johnny Sexton, right, and Paul O'Connell, Ireland. Guinness Series International, Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
READ HERE: Ferris Discusses Serious World Cup Issues For Ireland After Johnny Sexton Ban
As if we already did not know, Sexton is a freak when it comes to thinking about the game, and it is major factor in his ability to stay ahead of the competition.
O'Connell has also pinpointed this as another reason why the lay-off will not have too much of an affect on Sexton's World cup prep.
"You meet Johnny on a Monday or a Tuesday and he can talk about any match that was on TV," continued O'Connell.
"I don't know how he gets away with it. But he seems to watch an awful lot of rugby. He thinks a lot about rugby.
"So, I think that kind of helps him hit the ground running when he comes back.
SEE ALSO: The Ireland 23 We Want To See Against Italy On Saturday
