Australia have never lost to Italy in 15 rugby internationals and never suffered nine Test defeats in the one calendar year.
But the wounded Wallabies are under immense pressure to avoid disaster as they confront an improved Italian outfit smelling blood in Turin.
The confrontational Azzurri have the wonky Australian scrum in their sights and aim to drain what little confidence is left in the Wallabies by rocking the set-piece from the outset at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Ewen McKenzie’s men have suffered a 3-8 win-loss record in 2013 and one more loss sets them up for the worst season since the game went professional in 1996.
With Tests against Ireland, Scotland and Wales to come, the unenvied record held by Eddie Jones’ 2005 team of 5-8 (37.5 per cent) would be hard to avoid.
But a loss to Italy, better known for their round-ball exploits, in the home town of Serie A giants Juventus, would put the code in a deep, dark and dire hole.
It looms as a Test where the Wallabies, now viewed as a fading international force, either get themselves back on track at the end of an annus horribilis or the ARU goes into damage control.
Italy are ranked No.12 in the world but took the scalps of both France and Ireland, both in Rome, in this year’s Six Nations to be a definite threat.
Australia’s continued troubles at scrum time, which has prompted McKenzie to fire off a complaint to the IRB referees panel, have the Azzurri forwards licking their lips.
“If there is one point where we can put pressure on Australia then I’m sure it is up front,” said loosehead prop Michele Rizzo.
“If you can dominate at the scrum you can dominate, much better, the game.
“We have to try and attack them with every scrum.”
To counter the scrum threat, McKenzie has made the surprise selection of putting lock Rob Simmons at blindside flanker and keeping bulky pair Sitaleki Timani and James Horwill in the second row.
“It’s a big day for us forwards,” admitted Simmons.
“If we can nullify their forwards, it will go a good way to winning the game.
“They’re very passionate, and emotional … if their forwards get a good roll-on they’re hard to stop.”
McKenzie continues to be upbeat and pointed back to 1982, 1989 and 1997 as history lessons where the Wallabies rebuilt from low points to enjoy their greatest successes in 1984, 1991 and 1999.
“It won’t go down as one of the great years,” he said.
“(But) we’re not miles away. At the start of the season when I took over we were quite far off.
“It depends how you want to look at it but none of that makes me any less anxious about winning.
“As much as it’s a Test on the field, it’s a test of character for everyone, myself included, and I just know there’s a fair bit of fight in the group.”
Cattledog
Guest
Good call Two-eyes!! That's exactly how it panned out :)
Worlds Biggest
Guest
It's easy to say the WB's should play ball in hand and expansive however it's not that simple against a team like Italy. They will drag you down into a scrap which is where they can win it. The Wallas should get away with a win but it wouldn't surprise me if they lose as they were damn lucky last year. Then again they might come out firing, who know's. Time to show some fight, spirit and mongrel.
Clint Eastwood
Guest
Well, If they lose to Italy, Wales, Scotland & ;Ireland that must make dropping out of top four likely, doesn't it-particularly if France play well in the next few weeks. I've just got a feeling that Italy are going to turn it on today. Don't forget Samoa a few years back.
Clint Eastwood
Guest
Forza Italia!
Mitcher
Guest
On this: One futile request from me. Following the likely (surely?) win from the Wallabies. Let's just avoid the, "positive signs"; "on the up"; "world cup champions elect" articles tomorrow. Please..?
joe
Guest
toad,you agree with link!!;im thinking you should be asst coach .
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
as always it comes down to the pack. If they man up and perform the backs should take care of themselves and Australia should win handily. If not it will be very close and Italy will have a chance
atlas
Guest
Top marks for a pre-emptive strike on the ref; if Italy do win (which I doubt) that will prompt another week and 1200 posts blaming the officials. Again . . . again If his is so clueless, why will he then necessarily 'pick on' that poor misunderstood Qantas Wallabies scrum? Shouldn't he be at least balanced impartial clueless?? I'll stick with my pick of QW by 12.
Toadflax
Guest
Chaps, The English have an expression "slowly slowly catchee monkey" IMHO We really need to be more patient. I agree with Link That we need to be patient. There is a lot of negativity out there. Personally, I think it is a bit overdone. The team is progressing, I don't think you take much out of last week's game And I think we will be fastly improved next year. Keep the faith – and Let's hope Brother Glenn Performs a little better than he did when he last officiated in one of our games.
oupa
Roar Rookie
If Australia wins, all will be fine again - according to Fox sport that is. Link has solved the scrum problem, tweaked his "dumbed down" plan and QC is so great he should be captain.
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
Most Kiwis are wanabee Richie, not Bryce :-)
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
I wonder what odds Kiwi Dave would get on that?
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Yep, he ain't great...what is it with Kiwi refs...?
expathack
Guest
Oh no, glen jackson's the ref? He's absolutely clueless at scrum time. This could be grim.
atlas
Guest
discussion starters, a few stats from the IRB fact sheet for this match (excuse caps) GLEN JACKSON (NZ) will referee the clash between Italy and Australia on Saturday. It will be his third Test. EWEN McKENZIE’s ninth game in charge of Australia - two wins in eight games, a 25% win ratio. JACQUES BRUNEL’s 20th game as Italy coach. 19 games at the helm, won six and lost 13, a 32% winning record LUKE McLEAN will win his 50th cap for Italy; SERGIO PARISSE and MARTIN CASTROGIOVANNI will both win their 99th caps; MARCO BARTOLAMI will win his 98th. QUADE COOPER needs one more point to reach a total of 100 points in his Test career. He will win his 47th cap BEN ALEXANDER will win his 60th cap for Australia. ADAM ASHLEY-COOPER is Australia’s most experienced player and he is in line for his 89th cap The closest that Italy have got to beating Australia in a full Test match was in 1994 in Brisbane when the Wallabies won 23-20 and last year in Firenze when it finished 22-19 The Wallabies have a 100% record in this fixture. Their biggest win came in December 1988 when they won 55-6 at Stadio Flamino in Rome. Individual record Australia v Italy: Appearances - Stephen Moore (7); Points - Michael Lynagh (46); Tries - David Campese (6) more at http://www.irb.com/mm/document/newsmedia/mediazone/02/06/93/80/20130811itavaus.pdf keep that 100% record!
Chris
Guest
Australia could fall as low as 7th this weekend, although it would take a near miracle (Wales, France and Samoa all beating their opposition by 15+ and Australia losing). `
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Whoa, what needs to happen for that to happen?
Clint Eastwood
Guest
Ah look, There is a good chance the Wallabies will fall out of top four in IRB rankings, I reckon.
Fatty Robinson
Guest
Perhaps Link and the boys should go back to basics,ignore the Refs and opposition comments . ie Ben should keep his head in the scrum and all 8 forwards push and push like hell
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Wbs need to play ball in hand and back the backs, keep away from scrims and set pieces. Bombs with pressure and out dazzle Italy else you will be grind into dust, 3 points at a time... Complaints from link...wonder if refs are more careful but really look hard at scrims, so oz need to be squeaky clean...