Ireland have never lost to Italy in the Brian O’Driscoll era.
A 14-year era that could be about to end on Saturday, in Rome.
O’Driscoll hinted before the Six Nations that this could be his last campaign, but he isn’t expected to confirm his future intentions for a few more weeks.
Regardless of the result in a sold-out Stadio Olimpico, O’Driscoll’s performances in the tournament have underlined that the 34-year-old remains the premier centre in the northern hemisphere.
He was man of the match in the opening win over Wales, played against England within hours of the birth of his first child, and finished against France last weekend despite mild concussion, a dead leg, and a torn ear that needed eight stitches.
Asked if this will be O’Driscoll’s last game for Ireland, coach Declan Kidney said: “Please God, it won’t be. He’s got himself right, he’s playing as good as he’s ever played.”
Italy last beat Ireland in 1997, before it joined the Six Nations, but an 18th straight win for the Irish on Saturday would ease the considerable pressure on Kidney.
The battered and bruised Irish could wind up third, a good result for having a dozen internationals sidelined by injuries.
But a defeat could also hand the Irish the wooden spoon, which they haven’t touched since 1999.
Successive defeats to England and Scotland and last week’s draw with France have left Kidney at risk of not receiving a contract extension after this season.
“I haven’t been thinking about anything other than trying to get ourselves ready for Saturday,” Kidney said when asked if this could be his last match in charge.
“We have a huge task ahead of us. The Italy game is always the most physical of all the games you play.”
Ireland were dealt a blow less than two hours after Kidney named his side on Thursday, when flyhalf Jonathan Sexton had to withdraw after tearing a tendon in his left foot during training that morning.
That meant winger Craig Gilroy’s return marked Ireland’s only change.
Italy also lost a figurehead when tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni was ruled out because of the left leg he injured in the unlucky 18-11 loss to England last weekend.