Italy v New Zealand: The All Blacks' visit today represents significant landmark in Italian rugby: for the first time a home Test outside the Six Nations Championship has sold out the 28,000 capacity Flaminio Stadium in Rome.
Since there is no great New Zealand presence here this is presumably due to an upsurge of interest among the home fans as the Six Nations sell-outs are down largely to supporters from the other five European countries.
For John Kirwan and his young side, without their most experienced player, Alessandro Troncon, the question is whether they can build on the momentum from their six-try victory against Canada last Saturday.
Even the football-crazy Italian media can recognise the significance of an All Black visit and the presence of Jonah Lomu has contributed to coverage well above what Italian rugby has come to expect.
"I spent all last week winding the side up, and this week I have had to try to bring them down," said Kirwan. "We need to take away the fear factor and go out as equals. The goal is to be in the game, reduce the scoreline to what we consider respectable. If we can show courage in attack, shut down some of the things the All Blacks are going to throw at us, it will be a good game."
The only change from the side that beat Canada 51-6 last weekend is at wing, where Walter Pozzebon comes in for the injured Denis Dallan. Late fitness tests were awaited yesterday on centres Gonzalo Canale and Andrea Masi. At full back, Kirwan has again named Kaine Robertson, the New Zealander who came to Italy on a "foreign travel experience" six years ago, ironically with the son of the All Black coach Graham Henry.
The All Blacks include two new caps, Saimone Taumoepeau at loose-head prop and Conrad Smith at centre. "We're keen to look at different combinations before the game against France," said Henry, who expects more changes before their second tour match against Wales next week.
For the former All Black Kirwan, these are occasions to relish. "We want to earn respect and the only way to earn the respect of an All Black side is to beat them."
Even on a sodden pitch that should favour the Italian tight five, that is a remote prospect indeed.
ITALY: Robertson; Nitoglia, Canale, Masi, Pozzebon; Wakarua, Griffen; Lo Cicero, Ongaro, Perugini, Bortolami, (capt), Dellape, Persico, Bergamasco, Dal Maso. Replacements: Intoppa, Costanzo, Pavanello, Orlando, Travagli, Orquera, Pratichetti.
NEW ZEALAND: Muliaina; Gear, Smith, Umaga (capt), Rokocoko; Carter, Kelleher; Taumoepeau, Oliver, Hayman, Jack, Maxwell, Collins, McCaw, Tuiali'i. Replacements: Flynn or Mealamu, Somerville, Williams, Bates, Cowan, McAlister or Mauger, Nonu.
Referee: J Jutge (France).
