Smal: Italy will attack us in the scrum

Ireland’s forwards coach Gert Smal expects Italy to play to their strengths when they face Ireland in Dunedin and take Declan Kidney’s men on up front, specifically targeting the Irish scrum.

Despite inconsistent form in the scrum over the past number of seasons, Ireland’s front row of Cian Healy, Rory Best and Mike Ross got the upper hand in the set piece against the Wallabies but face a sterner test against Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Salvatore Perugini.

With Italian players and management already voicing their intention to force Ireland into an arm-wrestle in the pack on October 2, Smal is anticipating a busy day for his forwards.

“Italy pride themselves on their scrum. I think that aspect is going to be bigger than the Australian game (for us)," admitted Smal.

"Italy have a very heavy pack. They have a very good front row and a heavy back five. It's definitely one of the areas in which they will attack us.

"They also drive well from the lineouts and those are things that we have to counter. They've got sizeable backs so we will be tested in all areas."

Italian coach Nick Mallett has involved himself in some pre-match gamesmanship declaring his Italian front row better than the Irish trio and suggesting his side can bully Ireland in the scrum.

Having played with Mallett in his younger days and subsequently coached against his fellow South African on a number of occasions Smal knows him well and is in no way surprised by his mind games.

"That's typical Nick. He'll do anything," said Smal. "He's quite outspoken. He speaks his mind. He will put pressure on where he can."

“We go back a long way. He is a very experienced coach. He will know what to do in situations like these. Italy will be a well-coached and well-prepared side.”

Ireland have enjoyed a favourable pool schedule in the 2011 World Cup with a minimum of six days between each game. Italy now face a five day turnaround before the Dunedin encounter but Smal isn’t willing to rely on fatigue to help out Ireland.

"We might be a little fresher, but we can't control when Italy play and what affects them. It's important we concentrate on what we can control and that we're ready for Sunday."