So far Joe Schmidt's side have picked up bonus point wins against Canada and Romania but can expect a step up in class against the Azzuri who lost to France in their opening game before beating Canada in their second.
Despite question marks over his form, Tommy Bowe played well scoring two tries in the last game.
Former Leinster, Munster and Ireland forward Nenagh's Trevor Hogan suggests Bowe's aerial ability might see him get into the team for the next match.
One Tipperary man who missed out on the World Cup due to injury is Cahir's Tommy O'Donnell.
He suffered a dislocated hip in one of the warm up games which ruled him out – however the Munster star is refusing to wallow in self-pity.
He says because he missed out through injury and not being dropped makes not being at the World Cup more bearable.
There's one game today as Tonga take on Namibia, kick off is at 4.45.
