Rory Best will remain as Ireland captain "until further notice" as Joe Schmidt finalises his 31-man squad for Japan.
Speculation has increased that Best, 37, could be under selection pressure after last Saturday's record beating by England at Twickenham.
In response, Schmidt said that there is no "internal noise" of that nature and that "there are no decisions that have been made in that direction".
But the veteran hooker - who retires after the World Cup - is now expected to play against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday in a change from the original selection plan. He is among those who must produce a big performance.
Later, Schmidt elaborated: ‘No roles have been finalised until the World Cup until we name our 31, so no-one takes anything for granted.
"Rory is currently captain and he’ll continue to be captain until further notice, really.
"And if that notice comes in the short term than that’s a discussion I’ll have with Rory. But at this stage it’s not on our agenda."
Schmidt will submit his final World Cup selection to World Rugby on Sunday - the day after the Principality Stadium clash.
Four years ago long-term servant Gordon D'Arcy failed to make the final cut. However Schmidt isn't planning to deliver a 'nobody's safe' message now.
"I don't think I have to," he said. "We don't operate in a safe environment.
"Just stand in front of Manu Tuilagi when he's running at you - a safe environment is foreign to these guys!
"It's an incredibly competitive environment but they'll help whoever is alongside them as best they can - even if they play the same position.
"It's been a huge strength in Irish rugby that people have dragged others along with them.
"Sometimes that's a risk for them, but it elevates the collective. Everyone benefits.
"Individually, they know they're in competition with each other.
"We talked about Rory. Whether it's Rob Herring, Niall Scannell or Sean Cronin, they're all competing for three spots, and there's four of them.
"That's especially healthy in the way that they help each other and drag each other forward.
"I do believe you'll see solutions and adaptations over the next two weeks. Our lineout traditionally has been a massive strength.
"To say that suddenly after one poor performance you need to throw things out is a bit of a knee-jerk reaction.
"I can't guarantee it's an aberration.
"But if one time - and one time only - they let a game get away from them to that extent, then I've real confidence they'll turn this around".
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