Kirwan ready for Italy's 'biggest game'

Italy coach John Kirwan believes today's clash with Canada in Canberra is the most important rugby match his adopted country has played.

Kirwan, the former All Black wing, will attempt to guide Italy to a historic win over Canada - it would be the first time the Italians have won two World Cup matches in a row following their defeat of Tonga.

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that the win over Tonga has moved Italy up one place to 12th in the world rankings and they are now confident they can reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

However, Kirwan is only too aware of the inconsistency that has dogged his team and another drop in form is likely to put Wales into a quarter-final clash with England. Italy must win today, then beat Wales at the weekend to set up a meeting with England.

"We are going to have only four days to recover between the Canada game and the one with Wales and that's a joke," said Kirwan. "But we have to put that out of our minds because Canada are a dangerous side and beat Italy in the last meeting between the sides. We've no excuses for not performing today because we've had six days recovery. If we want to make big strides at this level we have to show mental resolve in the biggest game in our history.

"This is the most important Test match we have ever faced and we have to adopt the same approach we showed against Tonga. I don't see our temperament as a problem. We play rugby the way we drive - a little reckless but always within the laws. Sport is a situation where you need to understand the people you are dealing with and use it as a strength.You get these guys confident and look out."

Canada gained confidence from the manner of their display against New Zealand last week despite a heavy defeat.

Coach David Clark will demand the same tackling intensity today and has recalled captain Al Charron to the second row in an attempt to beef up his pack.