But the team is acutely aware of the potential banana skin that sent Scotland sprawling in last year's opener at the same Stadio Flaminio.

"Scotland definitely did us a favour last year," said Gatland. "We wouldn't have been as mentally-focused as we are but for that result.

"They are definitely no easy pickings and, in front of a passionate crowd, it's going to be a very tough prospect for us."

Ireland handed out a 60-13 thrashing to the Italians at Lansdowne Road in their debut season but Gatland is right not to underestimate the challenge of the Azzurri.

We have not won an opening championship match since 1988 and have yet to win on Italian soil.

Fellow Kiwi Murray Kidd resigned in January 1997 after defeat in Treviso while Brian Ashton survived for a month after a disastrous result in Bologna a year later.

Twelve months ago Gatland was on shaky ground but a hat-trick of wins last season sent a wave of optimism sweeping through the rugby scene here and the former All Black was in confident mood at a news conference in Rome.

"You just cannot underestimate them but we have a lot of self--belief," he said.

"We have a lot of injuries but we won't be making excuses. The players there have been picked on form."

Gatland is clearly hoping the success of the all-conquering Munster team will rub off on the national side. The Heineken Cup semi-finalists provide the two half-backs, both props and the entire back row.

"The fact that there are so many Munster players is a positive aspect," said the coach. "I remember Auckland providing most of the All Black team of the Eighties."