Italy v Australia: On the face of it, Australia's match against Italy in Rome today is the usual mismatch, setting one of the game's most powerful sides against one of its perennial nearly-teams, who have spent the last few years struggling fruitlessly to break into the top tier.
For both sides, however, the contest at Stadio Flaminio promises to be more than just a sparring match.
For the hosts, who come into the game on the back of 83-0 demolition of Portugal and a 67-7 win over Russia in their final two World Cup qualifiers, their performance against Australia promises a more reliable measure of progress ahead of next year's Six Nations.
The Wallabies, meanwhile, have another opportunity to experiment with their formation as they prepare their assault on a third world title in France next September.
A convincing win in the Italian capital would also go some way to dispelling the disappointment that surrounded the 29-29 draw with Wales last weekend.
Australia proved their own undoing in Cardiff, where they brilliantly carved out a 17-6 lead in the first 20 minutes only to allow ill-discipline get the better of them and give away a succession of penalties that cost them victory.
Their performance was not without its bright spots, however.
Scrumhalf Matt Giteau was hailed as "class personified" by Australian selector Michael O'Connor after putting in a display of crisp, unpredictable passing that marked him out as credible successor to the veteran George Gregan.
"If he wants to continue in that position I believe he can be one of the truly great halfbacks of world rugby," O'Connor said.
Giteau has retained his place in the starting line-up for the game against Italy, as has outhalf Mat Rogers, though around them coach John Connolly has made five changes, four of them in the pack.
Brendan Cannon takes over as hooker from Tai McIsaac and Guy Shepherdson steps in for Rodney Blake at tighthead prop.
Lock Mark Chisholm, who was on the bench against Wales, starts in place of Daniel Vickerman, who damaged a shoulder in the Welsh match. Flanker George Smith replaces Phil Waugh.
Stirling Mortlock comes back at outside centre and reclaims the captaincy after a month off following knee surgery.
The last time the two sides played, in Melbourne in June 2005, Australia powered to a 69-21 victory.
That was two months after Pierre Berbizier took over from John Kirwan as Italy coach and Connolly warned his players not to expect such an easy time.
For his part, Italy's coach has named an experienced team packed with players who took part in the Six Nations.
The Frenchman's most notable decision was the inclusion of Gert Peens. The South African-born fullback last started for the Azzurri at that game in Melbourne, 17 months ago.
"It's always a pleasure to play a top-level team, and Australia are as good as they come. They play spectacular rugby no matter who the opposition is," Berbizier said.
"But if we play our own game and just try to reproduce what we do in training, I think we can be competitive."
ITALY: Peens; Robertson, Canale, Bergamasco, Canavosio; Pez, Griffen; Lo Cicero, Festuccia, Castrogiovanni, Dellape, Bortolami (capt), Zanni, Mauro Bergamasco, Parisse. Replacements: Ghiraldini, Nieto, Del Fava, Sole, Picone, Scanavacca, Pozzebon.
AUSTRALIA: Latham; Rathbone, Mortlock (capt), Larkham, Tuqiri; Rogers, Giteau; Baxter, Cannon, Shepherdson, Sharpe, Chisholm, Elsom, Smith, Palu. Replacements: Moore, Henderson, Campbell, Hoiles, Valentine, Gerrard, Shepherd.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).
