IN FOCUS: John O'Sullivan gauges the mood in the Italy camp after their well-earned victory over Wales last Saturday
Patience is a virtue and one to which John Kirwan will have to be wedded as he tries to oversee the development of Italian rugby. It couldn't offer a greater contrast to the former World Cup-winning All Black legend whose successful playing career marked him as an outstanding sportsman.
In his first full Six Nations Championship season in charge of the Azzurri, having succeeded fellow Kiwi Brad Johnstone, Kirwan achieved a notable coup on the opening weekend of the campaign with a 30-22 win over Wales at the Stadio Flaminio.
It was the Italians' first victory in the competition since they beat Scotland four years ago.
Tomorrow Ireland will take the field in Italian rugby's intimate coliseum aware that a buoyant home team couldn't be better equipped mentally to face the challenge. Kirwan, unsurprisingly, is trying to introduce restraint to Italian expectations, calling for a "10 to 15 per cent growth from his side.
"There was much to work on this week, and we have to maintain our humility. Italy v Wales is finished now. We must grow and improve our game, and if we do then we might again taste victory in the future.
"You can be sure that we will give our all, and there is much more importance to this game than the last one.
"We must be mentally strong and have more courage. We must improve, especially in our concentration."
As is the climate among coaches prior to these Test matches Kirwan is quick to salute Ireland's recent performances and underline the fact that they will be favourites.
In gauging the reaction within the Italian squad openside flanker Aaron Persico, born in New Zealand, articulated the players' satisfaction in the wake of the Welsh game.
"It's been a pretty exciting week but we've worked hard because we've had to. We are delighted with the win over Wales but the coaches haven't let it go to our heads.
"The spirit is good after the Welsh match and we want to maintain that momentum against Ireland. We have put our body and souls into the preparation."
Persico was part of an excellent Italian back row alongside fellow Kiwi Matthew Phillips and Andrea de Rossi but, like Kirwan, is adamant that the team must not dwell on the Welsh match, even if it was an unequivocal answer to huge pressure to start the Six Nations campaign with a win in Rome.
"I was involved in our victory over Scotland four years ago and it was an incredible experience but the win over Wales was more deserved as it was a real team performance. Our confidence is high and we have nothing to lose.
"Ireland will be coming to Rome off the back of a very good performance against Scotland. We have to try to put them under as much pressure as possible. (Brian) O'Driscoll was particularly outstanding against the Scots and we will have to cut him down.
"The Irish halfbacks were great too. They controlled the game so it will be up to us (the back row) to get in their faces and stop them playing.
"Against good teams and good players you have to try to deny them ball. If we achieve that then you never know what might happen."
Persico highlighted the experience of the Italian back line and particularly the contribution that halfbacks Alessandro Troncon and Diego Dominguez have made in terms of helping to develop the younger players. He also suggested that this Italian team no longer relies so heavily on the aforementioned pair.
"Against Wales the brunt of the workload was shared out between the whole team and that represents another step forward from the days when we relied on a few players.
"Another break with the past is that we didn't panic when we got ourselves into a position to win the match. In the past we have conceded points early and found ourselves on the back foot for the rest of the match.
"We have been working hard on the mental side of things and it is paying off. The Ireland game will be three to four times harder than last week but we know we can do it. We're desperate to win."
Ireland have been warned.
