Ireland wary of Japanese threat, says Schmidt

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup warm-up match - Wales v Ireland - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Britain - August 31, 2019 Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

CHIBA, Japan (Reuters) - Ireland want to take it one match at a time in their Rugby World Cup group stage but have already singled out hosts Japan as a tough opponent in Pool A, head coach Joe Schmidt said.

The current world number one open their campaign on Sept. 22 in Yokohama against familiar foes Scotland before taking on Japan less than a week later.