Playing in the A international offers a strange contradiction in goals. A player must try and highlight his ability while at the same time subjugating the instinct for the individual spotlight in favour of the team ethic. It is a balance that is difficult to strike, compounded by meagre preparation.

The Irish team management of Declan Kidney and Niall O'Donovan last season managed to marry the varied demands, producing competitive teams, a fact reflected in their four wins from five matches.

Today in Viterbo (2.0 Irish time) Ireland will be expected to not alone secure victory, but embellish it with enterprising rugby. Italy's record at shadow international level is very poor and while they may be galvanised by home advantage, they should not unduly trouble what is a strong Irish team, containing eight full internationals.

There is plenty at stake in an individual context. Dominic Crotty's form for Munster is rewarded and the incentive is there for both the Garryowen fullback and right wing Geordan Murphy to apply pressure to Girvan Dempsey. Murphy will be keen to recover his form after the trials of the autumn. Jonathan Bell's injury-ravaged career could do with stability of tenure while for Cork Constitution duo John Kelly and Anthony Horgan, there is the carrot of higher honours.

Jeremy Staunton was superb in the under-21 internationals last season but extended bench duty with Munster has stalled his progress. Tom Tierney is another who could do with delivering on his ability once again, particularly with the promising Kieron Campbell on the bench. The backline should enjoy the opportunity to showcase their collective talent.

Up front, a chance is presented to those who have slipped from favour, principally Justin Fitzpatrick, Bob Casey, Gary Longwell and Trevor Brennan, to reclaim places in the senior squad. Ireland boast a big, powerful tight five - Simon Best's development is encouraging - while the back row offers a nice blend of Brennan's destructive tackling, Tony McWhirter's footballing intelligence and the speed of 20-year-old tyro Johnny O'Connor.

Those who have been rewarded with starting roles will be aware, too, of a strong bench - an obvious inspiration. It should be a comfortable victory but how it is achieved will be more important on an individual level.

ITALY A - M Ravazzolo; N Mazzucato, N Zisti, G Preo, JS Francesio; F Mazzariol, JM Queirolo; S Perugini, A Moretti, V Golfetti; C Bezzi, L Mastradomencio; R Piovan, A de Rossi, A Benatti. Replacements: L Artal, G Pulli, A Comperti, M Rivaro, M Mazzantini, AN Other, AN Other.

IRELAND A - D Crotty (Garryowen); G Mur- phy (Leicester), J Kelly (Cork Constitution), J Bell (Dungannon), A Horgan (Cork Constitution); J Staunton (Garryowen), T Tierney (Garryowen, capt); J Fitzpatrick (Dungannon), S Byrne (Blackrock College), S Best (Belfast Harlequins); R Casey (Blackrock College), G Longwell (Ballymena); T Brennan (St Mary's College), T McWhirter (Dungannon), J O'Connor (Galwegians). Replacements: J Bishop (London Irish), P Burke (Harlequins), K Campbell (London Irish), M Horan (Shannon), P Smyth (St Mary's College), M O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution), L Cullen (Blackrock College).