Italy to downgrade Dominguez

Confidence is the key, according to the Italy coach John Kirwan, and the Azzurri will need it by the bucketload today when they welcome Australia.

Although the Wallabies have yet to record a win in Europe on this tour, losing 18-9 to Ireland and 32-31 to England, they will be more than a match for Kirwan's side, who were easily overcome by Argentina 36-6 in Rome last weekend.

"There were things we could have done a little bit better [against Argentina] but there were some positives as well," Kirwan said. "You can't really dwell on the past. We've got to move on and we're now looking forward to Australia. We need a bit more confidence and not to worry so much about making mistakes. We've just got to get out there, get the ball and try to play rugby."

Kirwan has made nine changes to Italy's starting line-up, most notably dropping Alessandro Troncon to the bench and making his lock Marco Bortolami captain. Italy are also without Diego Dominguez, who suffered a knee injury last weekend.

Kirwan's opposite number, Eddie Jones, is refusing to write off the Azzurri, despite their continued struggles against top-flight opposition. "I know Italy well. I watched the last game they played and I also know John Kirwan and his assistant manager, Leicester Rutledge, well," he said. "They are doing a good job and you can already see the progress they have made. Last Saturday they lost at home, but with 15 minutes to go they were only just 15-6 behind."