A six-day turnaround. The two most difficult pool opponents first.

This is about as tough as Ireland's admittedly kind group for the 2019 Rugby World Cup could've been. The schedule for the RWC in Japan has dropped and, despite not knowing two of the teams in Pool A alongside Ireland, Japan and Scotland, Joe Schmidt will be disappointed at how the fates have allowed the opening week to unfold.

Ireland's fixtures

Sunday 22 September 2019 Ireland v Scotland Yokohama Saturday 28 September 2019 Japan v Ireland Ecopa Thursday 3 October 2019 Ireland v Europe 1 (TBC) Kobe Saturday 12 October 2019 Ireland v Play-off winner (TBC) Fukuoka

It means, after their opener with Scotland which will be one of the crucial games in determining first place in the group, Ireland will have just Monday to Friday to recover ahead of their battle with the host nation who have a kinder eight-day turnaround before the Irish game, having played a nicer opening fixture too. It's hardly irreparable, particularly in a generous group, but it's about as bad as it could've worked out after the draw was made. The first week of the World Cup will make or break the country.