Few will give the Italians a chance of toppling Clive Woodward’s men, particularly at fortress Twickenham. But O’Sullivan insists they have become a force under former All Black wing John Kirwan and believes they do not always gain the plaudits they deserve.

“I think on their day Italy can beat anybody – if they get their game plan right and get scores at the right time,” said O’Sullivan.

“I have to say that the opinions expressed on Italy are very harsh at times.

“They’re a very good side now. They’ve a lot of strings to their bow, and I think any of the opposition coaches will give them huge respect.”

Italy still have to play Scotland, their first six nations scalp back in 2000. But their next two fixtures are against England and France, and Kirwan is realistic about his side’s prospects.

“We’ve a couple of big ones coming up,” he admitted.

“We will treat them as learning opportunities. We will have a good time.”

Kirwan will today check on the knee injury to Diego Dominguez, their talismanic fly-half who was forced off early in the second half shortly after unusually missing a second straight-forward penalty.

The inspirational Argentinian, who is two months away from his 37th birthday, made his 74th appearance to become Italy’s most-capped international before giving way to Ramiro Pez.