Italy v Ireland, Six Nations Championship, February 15
Wallace warns against complacency
Scrum.com
February 13, 2009
David Wallace of Ireland makes a break during the Iveco Series Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand on June 7, 2008.
David Wallace is focused on the task ahead of Ireland's trip to Rome © Getty Images
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Ireland flanker David Wallace has warned his team-mates that any complacency will cost them dear against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio on Sunday.

Ireland were impressive in defeating France 30-21 at Croke Park last weekend, and now turn their attentions to an Italy side that was defeated by England, thanks largely to the inept fumblings of makeshift scrum-half Mauro Bergamasco.

"I suppose we don't want to mess up now, having got a great win," said Wallace. "We know what a big challenge it's going to be this weekend going down to Rome and how physical they play the game. Every year they take a couple of scalps. We don't want to be the ones this year.

"Having said that they have quality players in their team, they've huge experience as well in their pack in all the forward positions. It's going to be a tough challenge. There is a sense that things are going well and that maybe we can accomplish something this year that we haven't done for a very long time in Ireland. But there are so many hurdles to go before that. I know it's a cliche but we have to take each game as it comes."

Ireland's last visit to the Stadio Flaminio in 2007 brought a 51-24 win, but a last-minute try from Italy denied the Irish the championship on points difference.

"It was very disappointing," said Wallace. "We were on a bit of a high from the game. We were a small bit disappointed in the dressing-room that we had leaked a couple of tries but I think it was that kind of game where there was a bit more open running.

"It was a bit freer, the weather was good and it was the last game of the championship. We probably had nothing to lose and so threw the ball around. Watching France and Scotland then in the hotel was obviously very tense - everyone was in there, including supporters who were watching it on TV.

"You just got a sense that France had the momentum and were going to do it. I think the power on the TV went at one stage as they were very close to the line. It added to it."

Bergmasco has been recalled to the openside flank, his usual position, for the game and will go head-to-head with Wallace after banishing the memories of his nightmarish stint at scrum-half.

"After the game against England I didn't have the courage to look at my team-mates in the eyes," admitted Bergamasco. "But the group, without me saying anything, has allowed me to regain my confidence."

"With Ireland I will play flanker," he said. "I am ready to play a great game."

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