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Positive update on Sexton's fitness

Cape Town - Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton is expected to train fully ahead of the Six Nations opener against Scotland.

Sexton has been recovering from a calf problem and will hope to come through Tuesday's session in order to start later this week at Murrayfield.

"Johnny's making good progress and he's back on track to train tomorrow," said Ireland team manager Paul Dean.

"I think everything is fine, he's being very positive about it. Hopefully he'll train properly (on Tuesday) and be fit and ready. He's very positive as he always is."

Munster's uncapped wing Andrew Conway has been ruled out of contention for Saturday but there was better news on Sean O'Brien, who is expected to train fully with the squad on Monday.

Ireland's veteran full-back Rob Kearney added that the squad would not be distracted by individual fitness battles ahead of the tournament, praising the work in training of Paddy Jackson.

"We're all so used to it now," said Kearney.

"On a weekly basis, more often than not, there's someone going in or out. Someone picks up a niggle or they're not fully fit, so the coach doesn't risk them. The way Test rugby is now, it's par for the course.

"Paddy (Jackson) has been there all last week running the plays. He's more than equipped and he's got a week head-start."

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