O'Callaghan: We need new strategy against Italians

Donncha O'Callaghan insists Ireland must "tackle like lunatics" if they want to contain Italy at the Stadio Flaminio tomorrow.

The Irish renew their assault on the RBS Six Nations title after toppling France in a heart-stopping 30-21 victory at Croke Park last weekend.

Even on home soil and with Mauro Bergamasco restored at scrum-half Italy start as heavy underdogs who will need to produce something special to end Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions.

But O'Callaghan is still braced for a frantic afternoon and warns his team-mates they must be ready to repel wave after wave of Azzurri attacks.

"The mindset has been different this week," said the Munster second row.

"It's been helped by the coaches, you put new emphasis on the game plan, so training changes and as a result, your mindset changes.

"Maybe last week it was about attacking the fringes whereas that might be a silly idea against such a physical pack as Italy.

"There's an awful lot of respect for Italy because of the quality of their side.

"You look at the Bergamasco brothers and Sergio Parisse at number eight - they're incredible players.

"When you play Italy you tackle like lunatics because they put you through phase after phase.

"It's really a tough grind. They're very proud which makes it difficult against them, especially in Rome."

Dispatching France, Ireland's perennial nemesis in the Six Nations, has cranked up expectation that the 24-year wait for championship glory could be over.

O'Callaghan admits the team are feeling the pressure but hopes they will continue to playing winning rugby in style, as managed against Les Bleus.

"The expectation is tough. We're at the type of rugby where results matter more than performance at this end," he said.

"Everyone wants to see us go out and play well but everyone would sacrifice it for a result.

"If we could marry the two of them together it would be great."

Ireland ended a seven-match losing run dating back to March 2003 when they edged France last Saturday, sending Irish spirits soaring.

"We've been unlucky against France the last two times we've played them, so to beat them gives us great confidence and momentum," said O'Callaghan.

"It gives you a massive lift and you want to go out and reproduce that.

"Sometimes when you're down you keep looking at negatives, but you get a positive win like that you want to go on and taste it again."