We will try to destroy BOD’s party

Marco Bortolami insists Italy are not keeping their powder dry for the visit of England to Rome next week and the Azzurri have come to Dublin determined to “destroy” Brian O’Driscoll’s party as the Leinster centre plays for his country on home soil for the last time.

Captain and talisman Sergio Parisse is rested today, having played despite injury throughout the tournament, while coach Jacques Brunel has shuffled things about by drafting in a new half-back pairing for the round four tie.

In all, the Frenchman has made four changes to the team that lost to Scotland a fortnight ago, with flanker Alessandro Zanni another notable omission.

Yet stand-in skipper Bortolami insists they will be wearing their game face at the Aviva Stadium and they will remain unperturbed by the fanfare surrounding O’Driscoll’s farewell and world record 140th Test cap.

“It is some motivation for Ireland,” said the Zebre lock.

“We haven’t spoken about that and we have to do our job. We have to make sure we turn up. That’s the things in our control. We know how Ireland play. They are very physical and organised.

“I don’t think they will change the way they play because Brian O’Driscoll is playing his 140th game. After the game there will be some focus on that but we will try to destroy this party for him. That’s sport, we don’t want to disrespect him, but that’s sport.”

Bortolami glossed over the odds of 1/100 which some bookies have heaped on an Ireland win. Words such as ‘insulting’ and ‘disrespectful’ were mentioned but only by the questioner and not the Italian veteran.

Bortolami, coincidentally, was captain when Italy won their one and only Six Nations away fixture to date, back in 2007 against Scotland, but he labelled this Ireland team as the best in the tournament this year so clearly expects a more vigorous test.

“I wasn’t surprised they lost [against England] but they were in control of the game.

“The opportunities didn’t go to Ireland but they are very consistent. Their kicking game is very good and they put players under pressure.

“They play in the right areas and their pack is very organised. When they get in the 22 they build opportunities to score tries so it seems they don’t have any weaknesses but we analysed them and we know how can put them under pressure.”