Italy were hammered by New Zealand at RWC23, but Dino Lamb says there is 'no bigger opportunity' to face 'the best'.
The subplot is thicker and more appealing. As much as it is Italy v Argentina, it will also be Gonzalo Quesada v Felipe Contepomi, former teammates, old neighbours in Las Lomas de San Isidro.
Italy and Argentina have both named sides with only two players with fewer than 10 caps for their encounter in Udine on Saturday.
The Scottish boss was disappointed that his selection failed to fire a shot in their 0-46 home loss to England last weekend in Edinburgh and he has reacted by making two backline alterations and two more in the pack.
The Scots are second in the table ahead of matches away to Italy this Saturday and Grand Slam-chasing Ireland the following week.
The 39-year-old former hooker from Padova was firmly established in Italy’s front row when they downed Ireland 22-15 in March 2013, a result that is unthinkable in the current rugby climate and seems a very long time ago.
The Italians had led the English 17-14 at half-time before losing 24-27 and their new boss Gonzalo Quesada has now announced a line-up with two alterations in the backs and two more in the pack for their Guinness Six Nations round two outing.
The Azzurri are overseen by new head coach Gonzalo Quesada, whose first assignment is plotting the downfall of England in Saturday’s opener.
Scotland hooker Lana Skeldon crossed late on to end Italy’s resistance and secure a maiden win of the 2023 Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations.
James Ryan has admitted he has big shoes to fill as he prepares to captain Grand Slam-chasing Ireland against Italy in place of the injured Johnny Sexton.