London: Ireland are preparing themselves to expect the unexpected before they face Romania in Pool D on Sunday, after witnessing Tier Two nation Japan shock double world champions South Africa.

Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton, who scored 14 points including a try during Ireland’s opening 50-7 victory over Canada at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, believes the Brave Blossoms’ superb display shows that anything can happen in this year’s tournament.

“Tier Two teams are at their best come a World Cup. It’s not like playing them in a November international when they are pulled together from all parts of the world,” Sexton said.

“Now it will be our turn to go out and play against a Tier Two nation. The crowd gets behind them. We’re very lucky that we get big crowds for the Irish. The neutrals were obviously going for Japan (against South Africa).”

Preparing in style

The Irish team have arrived at their new training base, set within the luxurious confines of the English Football Association’s St George’s Park, where they will prepare for their next Pool D test at Wembley.

“We watched the end of the first-half (between Japan and South Africa) in the dressing room and we had to move and get back to the hotel,” Sexton said.

“It was like re-enacting the Georgia match (when Ireland were taken close in the group stage eight years ago). I thought they (Japan) deserved to win, which was great. They played great rugby and they obviously have a top-class coaching team with Steve Borthwick (ENG) and Eddie Jones (AUS).

Proud nation

“The players are always going to play for the jersey as they are a very proud nation.

“They were outstanding and it will even give sides like us a boost going into the bigger tests ahead.”

Having seen Japan exceed expectations, 30-year-old Sexton is content with Ireland’s efforts in avoiding a potential slip-up against Canada following two defeats against Wales and England.