British and Irish Lions

It was in 2000 that the Italians joined England, France, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in an expanded version of the 5 Nations and the 'Azzurri' got off to a dream start, winning their first fixture at home to Scotland.

Since then, Italy have suffered 14 Six Nations defeats in a row but Kirwan is confident that Italy are on the verge of a new era.

The former All Black said: "The key is faith in ourselves and trying to play.

"It is important to maintain the right tension without it becoming excessive to show our pride in being Italian."

Kirwan insisted he will not underestimate Wales, adding: "They will be trying to impose themselves physically.

"They understand that Italy have grown a lot and that they have got important players back. Everything is pointing to a great match."

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.