Ireland flanker Shane Jennings admits his side’s last-gasp RBS 6 Nations victory over Italy earlier this year proves the Azzurri cannot be taken lightly in their crucial World Cup showdown on Sunday.
Back in February Jennings was an unused replacement in Rome when Ireland had to rely on Ronan O’Gara’s late drop goal to seal a 13-11 win and avoid a first defeat to Italy in 15 meetings.
The two sides will meet again at the weekend with Ireland aware that victory will see them advance to the knock-out stages in New Zealand as pool winners while two losing bonus points would also be enough to squeeze through.
Victory for Jennings and co means they will in all likelihood face Wales in the last eight with a potential semi-final clash with England awaiting – but the Leinster open-side is refusing to look beyond his side’s Italian Job.
“We didn’t deserve to win that Six Nations game,” said Jennings. “If you give them ball like we did that day, they can do damage.”
“There will be no complacency. We’re very realistic, certainly not over-confident, but we know we have the ability to win.
“You have to back up the words with a performance and we realise we are up against a very experienced team with some quality players and good leaders.
“The obvious thing that comes out every time you play Italy is that they’ve very physical and can match that with some dangerous runners.”
