Mike Ross said that Ireland's improving scrum is ready to accept the challenge issued by Nick Mallett, Italy's coach.
The Pool C rivals collide at Otago Stadium Sunday with the winners progressing to the World Cup quarter-finals and the losers returning home.
Expectations surrounding the match have been amplified by the declarations of Mallett, who said during the week that the Azzurri have a stronger front row and are ready to prove it.
Ross, who will pack down alongside loose-head prop Cian Healy and hooker Rory Best, said that Ireland will meet them head on.
"Nick's justifiably proud of Italy's scrum, but we're confident that we'll be able to handle whatever they throw at us," he said.
"The important thing is not to get too worked up about it and concentrate on what we do."
Ireland edged past Italy 13-11 in Rome during the Six Nations this year, but Ross is confident they will do better today.
"We coughed up a few penalties against Italy in February, but the scrum has come on a long way since then," he said. "It should be an interesting battle." If Ireland win they will top Pool C, while an Italian victory would see them go through as runners-up behind Australia, with Ireland going out. A draw would see Ireland go through in the second spot.
Ireland's victory over Australia two weeks ago was a huge upset, but Brian O'Driscoll, the Irish captain, said it would count for nothing if they did not triumph today.
"We always thought we could beat Australia, but it hasn't made the group any different. We still have to beat Italy in the final game."
Mallett defended his comments on his pack: "I don't regret what I said. There isn't a single team we haven't been good against in the scrum. It's not an arrogant comment, it's a realistic comment."
In Sunday's other action, Wales need only to avoid losing and conceding four tries to Fiji to ensure they go through as runners-up in Pool D behind South Africa. New Zealand, who have already won Pool A, will be without Dan Carter for their clash with Canada, as the fly-half is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Argentina need only a bonus point in their Pool B clash with Georgia on Sunday to ensure they reach the knockout stages at the expense of Scotland, and set up a quarter-final with New Zealand.
Correspondents
By Tim Murphy
(Grove Press)
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
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9.30pm: Forever Young
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
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If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets