Obviously there is good enthusiasm, but it will be a very tough environment and we will be playing in Dublin against a team that had dreams of winning the Grand Slam last year and will be looking to have another crack this time.

Our guys must play with good defence - that is the key to the match and Ireland will put lots of pressure on us.

We should try and defend solidly and need to concentrate our efforts with the forwards where we are strong and we can compete.

Ireland will have an experienced team - they are in a moment where a new generation is waiting in the wings and there are some players getting older but I dont believe that makes them weaker.

Italy are younger in age but not necessarily in terms of experience because most have done at least one or two seasons in international rugby.

We have to win the ball in the set plays and rely on the forwards as much as possible and play a technical and tactical game.

Playing in Dublin is always tough but in Gonzalo Canale, Sergio Parisse and Mauro Bergamasco we have talented players.

I am not dismissing the abilities of our backs but we must play to our strengths which is in defence and with our forwards.

Italy have never won a match away from Rome in the RBS 6 Nations but when I was a player we won in Dublin although that was before we were in the Six Nations.

It will be hard, very hard - but we have to believe it otherwise why go on the pitch? It wont be easy but we must believe we can win.

Ireland have a great mixture of experience and young players and I believe they will perform well. We have to put on as much pressure as possible to contain and limit their space.