But with a full house at Twickenham expected this Sunday, and the return of influential captain Sergio Parisse from suspension, Benvenuti is confident they can upset the odds against the so far unbeaten Red Rose.

“It’s great news for Sergio and great to know that this situation is over and has been resolved in the best possible way,” said Benvenuti.

“I don’t know yet if I’ll be picked but Twickenham is a historic ground, it’s special and we want to bounce back after the last two games, to show the sort of rugby that we are capable of producing.

“Playing away from home is always difficult, especially when it means going up against a team who are going for the Grand Slam like the English. But it’s pointless making predictions now, it will be on the pitch that the game is won.”