Uneven rest periods have once again become a World Cup bugbear, with Japan suffering 45-10 defeat to Scotland just four days after stunning South Africa and the world with a 34-32 victory in Brighton.

Romania lost out 38-11 to France at London’s Olympic Stadium on Thursday night and will be pressed into action four days later against Ireland.

Joe Schmidt was keen not to accept Ireland gain an unfair edge against the world’s 17th-ranked side this weekend – but did admit Ireland will take any help they can get.

“I don’t know if it gives us an unfair advantage, that’s something you might attach to it,” said Schmidt. “But for us the draw is the draw.

“For us if it gives us an advantage, that’s great.”

Video by Dan Linehan.

He was keen to point out that Ireland could be also impacted by shorter recovery times further on in the tournament.

“Conceivably, if we don’t win our pool, we’ll have a six-day turnaround and our opponents will have an eight-day turnaround,” Schmidt said

“Will that be an advantage for them? It will be. Is that an unfair advantage?

“That’s just the draw – that’s the reality.”

Shaun Cronin, head sports reporter of breakingnews.ie speaking to the Irish Examiner's rugby correspondent Simon Lewis on Ireland's RWC match against Romania this weekend. Video by Dan Linehan.