Kirwan said his team are not overawed at their meeting with the side ranked number one in the world, insisting Twickenham is the perfect stage to show how Italian rugby is developing.

"As far as we are concerned, this match is more of a joy than a weight on our shoulders," said Kirwan. "We are going to a rugby temple to play a team currently the best in the world and in front of a full house of 80,000 people.

"Our aim is to take and give the maximum from this encounter."

Kirwan takes the fact that the match has sold out as a compliment to his side.

"On previous visits we have not had more than 60,000 when Italy played there, so I think it is because we have shown we can play interesting and entertaining rugby.

"We are going there to play our own game and as usual our motto is to dare to try," explained the former All Blacks winger.