Their first in that sequence came at the end of last year’s RBS 6 Nations against the Scots, and despite the 34-10 scoreline this time round, Brunel claims they didn’t underestimate their opponents.

Tries from Tim Visser, Matt Scott, Stuart Hogg and Sean Lamont blew the visitors away, Hogg’s effort particularly crucial as it came at a time when Brunel’s troops were building up a head of steam.

But Italy’s own gung-ho approach is what proved to be their downfall according to Brunel, who had only a Luciano Orquera penalty and a late Alessandro Zanni try to cling to.

“We never underestimated this Scotland side,” said Brunel. “But maybe we tried to play too much open rugby.

“Basically our main mistake was not to adapt to Scotland's game."