Johnny Sexton has claimed the Ireland squad has never spoken about winning the World Cup in pre-season. The opening match with Scotland on Sunday week is the only focus for Ireland, according to the Leinster playmaker.

Joe Schmidt's men landed in Japan yesterday and the fly-half was speaking at a welcome ceremony in Chiba that didn't go exactly to plan.

Ireland get their World Cup campaign underway in Yokohama on Sunday week. Sexton says the Scots have been Ireland's sole focus:

"We never spoke about the World Cup in pre-season. Now we're here we'll focus fully on Scotland. They are a very very good team. You saw that through the Six Nations."

Sexton is aware of the quality of the opposition.

"They were a little bit unlucky against us and against Wales. They arguably could have won both games. They should have won the England game as well. We know the threat that they pose and we'll start tomorrow really to analyse them like we do and try to be as prepared as we can."

When asked if the goal for the team was winning the World Cup, Sexton said: "You want to win every competition that you're in."

Challenge

The World Player of the Year added:

"I don't think you come in saying you want to make this stage or this stage. We're taking it a step at a time and the first test for us is Scotland."

"That's our biggest challenge that we have to face because it's our next one. You know if we can get through that, then Japan will be our biggest game. And we'll work our way through the tournament like that."

Leinster fly-half Sexton, taking part in his third World Cup, is expecting strong support for Ireland in Japan.

"70 odd thousand people and every second person I spoke to in Ireland before I left was coming over.

"So I'm sure the atmosphere is going to be very special. It always is at World Cups for Ireland. The Irish always travel and I'm sure we'll have our fair share of support here."

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