Joe Schmidt has insisted Johnny Sexton will be “fine” to face Samoa despite the fly-half icing his troublesome thigh after being withdrawn in the 35-0 win over Russia.

Sexton captained Ireland for the first time on Thursday night, but was replaced by Jack Carty for the second-half of his side’s five-try win over the Bears.

British and Irish Lions fly-half Sexton had declared himself 100 per cent fit to take on Russia after missing Ireland’s shock 19-12 loss to Japan with a thigh complaint.

“The error count with Ireland is very, very low. You wait for one with Ireland and it just doesn’t come.

“I can’t believe Johnny Sexton’s 34, it feels like only yesterday that he was starting.”

Former Blackrock College student Artemyev hailed Sexton and backed Ireland to produce something special come the knockout stages.

“I have every belief that Ireland can go far in this competition,” said Artemyev.

“He just brings that composure, Ireland play a really composed game.

“He’s one of the best out-halves in the world and he’s still going very strong. He’s a quality player.”