蜜芽传媒

Captain Johnny Sexton believes Ireland's previous World Cup struggles will not impact on the team's performances at this year's tournament.

Sexton, 38, will start Saturday's pool opener against Romania despite not having played in nearly six months because of injury and suspension.

"We always get tarnished that we鈥檝e haven鈥檛 got past a quarter-final but I鈥檝e some amazing memories at World Cups," said Sexton, who will be playing in his fourth World Cup.

"Obviously a few of them, they鈥檝e ended badly but we鈥檙e very much looking forward. We鈥檝e not carrying any of that baggage with us."