Stringer not underestimating Italy
March 21, 2002

Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer has declared that the men in green will not be taking their Italian visitors lightly on Saturday.

Stringer said: "People are asking us 'how much are you going to win by?' but I don't think it's going to be a case of that.

"We're going to have get our work done early on because from watching their games against France and Scotland they have proved they are very difficult opposition at the start of a match.

"They're very physical up front and they love to challenge in around the pack and at the fringes.

"We're certainly not expecting to score a lot of points early on in the match. It's going to be a case of wearing them down and then, hopefully, the scores will come in the last 15 or 20 minutes. We'd be happy with that."

As a scrum-half, Stringer is especially aware of the threat posed by the Italian back row, particularly the pacy flanker Mauro Bergamasco.

He added, "The back row is good and they're always looking to have a go off the half-backs.

"I think Bergamasco is probably one of the players who is very quick and he's certainly a guy who is a danger player.

"So they've got a big back row and a big pack so we'll have to get them moving around the place and try and break them down that way."

One particular reunion Stringer is looking forward to is with his opposite number Alessandro Troncon, who made his mark on Stringer in the Stadio Flaminio last season with an upper cut.

"I haven't been in training for a rematch, no," joked Stringer.

"It was one incident a year ago and there will be no hard feelings going into the game.

"He apologised to me after the game last year and I'll shake his hand before the game.

"So there'll be no be revenge, but there will be a good edge to the contest."

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