Ireland feel the pain as Italy await

Rugby:Ireland took to the notorious 'House of Pain' today as the final preparations for Sunday's World Cup shootout with Italy began in earnest. The Azzuri's bonus point win over the USA means Ireland will be dumped out of the tournament if they lose Sunday's final group game at Otago Stadium.

It is a scenario the Irish management team had been prepared for since the draw was made, regardless of the famous win over Australia, and Keith Earls is fully aware that Nick Mallett's side have targeted this match.

"Italy ran us close (13-11) and beat France in the Six Nations so it's going to be tough," said Earls today. "It's always been tough against Italian sides - I remember even at under-20 level they were really physical.

"Their backs are quite physical, especially the centres, and they're good defenders. You feel it the following morning when you've played them. Maybe in the past we'd expect to win this game but you wouldn't say it now.

"Italy have pulled out some famous victories in the last few years. Hopefully on Sunday it won't be our turn to be on the wrong end of a result."

Ireland trained in the Carisbrook Stadium, dubbed the ‘House of Pain’, this afternoon – Sunday’s match will take place in the enclosed Otago Stadium – and still have injury concerns over a number of frontliners.

Earls, Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien were all afforded an extra day off to recover from Sunday’s bruising win over Russia while Tommy Bowe and Paul O’Connell were only able to take a limited part in the session.

There was better news regarding Gordon D’Arcy, who has fully recovered from a hamstring strain and came through the run-out without any reaction.

Even if Ireland were to claim a losing bonus point on Sunday, Italy would still progress to the quarter-finals on the head-to-head rule. The only way Ireland can lose the match and still reach the knockout phase if they were to secure try-scoring and losing bonus points, while hoping Italy fail to score four tries.

It is quirk of the group that Declan Kidney’s side could defeat the World Cup’s second favourites Australia and finish with three victories from four games, yet still be forced to return home on Monday.

Ireland, who have amassed 15 successive victories over Italy dating back to 1997, will start as heavy favourites. However, only a late drop-goal from Ronan O’Gara prevented the Azzurri from registering a first Six Nations victory over their rivals in February as they slipped to a 13-11 loss.

Italy have targeted a place in the quarter-finals and have always viewed success against Ireland as their ticket out of Pool C. Counting against them, however, is the fact they will be playing their second game in six days with the USA having proved energy-sapping opposition.

Italy coach Mallett, speaking after the Eagles had been dispatched, believes his side’s scrum gives them a fighting chance in Dunedin.

“We know perfectly well we have a better front row than Ireland and we’re hoping to prove that on Saturday,” said Mallett. “If our front row put us on the front foot, we can win the game.”

Australia should finish on 15 points if, as expected, they secure a bonus-point victory over Russia on Saturday.