ItalyCoach Pierre Berbizier believes Italy can reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time if his men have a healthy fear of their Pool C rivals.
"We have no doubts (about ourselves) but we fear everyone," Berbizier told a news conference yesterday. "Fear is the first form of courage and we must respect every team we play against."
After Saturday's mission-impossible opener against New Zealand, Italy are expected to beat Romania and Portugal to set up a qualification decider with Scotland on September 29th.
"Our aim is to do our best in every match and (to win) the decisive match against Scotland to reach the second round," the 49-year-old coach said.
Samoa
Harlequins hooker Tani Fuga is set to join Samoa's squad after the South Sea islanders suffered a second injury setback. Prop Donald Kerslake had already been replaced by Alfie Vaeluaga, but the Samoans have now also lost lock Filipo Levi.
Levi suffered a serious eye injury during Samoa's tournament warm-up victory over Sale Sharks 10 days ago and subsequently underwent surgery.
Fuga is now likely to join the squad before Sunday's Pool A clash with South Africa at Parc des Princes.
Samoa team manager Kenape Tuuau said: "Before the operation, Filipo was getting double vision. He has to see a specialist tomorrow, but they want him to rest for two weeks."England captain Phil Vickery says the defending champions can have a huge impact on the World Cup but must be wary of Pool A opponents South Africa.
England
England begin in Lens on Saturday against the USA, a fixture Vickery is not taking lightly, but it is the Paris clash against South Africa the following Friday that could define England's campaign.
"We know what's coming and it's whether we can perform on the day," Vickery said. "America this weekend will up their game and no doubt will overperform; we need to be mentally and physically right for that.
"Then it's South Africa. I watched them play against Scotland and it was the best Springbok performance I've seen for a number of years."
Ireland
A temporary Irish consulate will be opened in Bordeaux during the World Cup, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
The office will offer assistance to the thousands of fans travelling to games in France over the next few weeks. Staff at the Irish Embassy in Paris will be available 24 hours a day.
A number of events have been organised by consular staff in Paris to celebrate Ireland's participation in the World Cup. A concert will be held in the Rugby Village in Bordeaux on September 15th; the naval vessel LE Eithne will visit Bordeaux on September 15th and 16th; and there will be an open day at the restored Irish Embassy in Paris on September 22nd.
South Africa
The Springboks left for France yesterday confident that four years of planning and upheaval in South African rugby have put them in a good position to challenge for the World Cup crown.
Coach Jake White told reporters there were times over the last four years when he did not think he would still be in charge the day they left for the World Cup.
"You never take going to the World Cup for granted," White said. "But I am very, very happy with where we are.
"I have 16 guys from my first year in charge and I have a team with 860-odd caps. We've worked on this for the last four years and now we need to make sure we get it going for the next seven weeks."
