Italy didn't have it all way in beating the USA 27-10 in at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, but they were irresistible when they got it right and will prove a big test for the Irish at Otago Stadium.
The scrum contest in particular will be one to look forward to. The Irish demolished Australia's scrum in their victory at Eden Park and last night Italy had the Americans in trouble in this facet from the outset.
Although props Mike MacDonald and Matekitonga Moeakiola enjoy running with the ball, they don't seem to like the tight stuff much and the USA conceded several penalties as well as valuable metres.
Referee George Clancy finally lost his patience mid-way through the second half and sinbinned blindside flanker Louis Stanfill after constant offending by the Americans in the set piece and followed it up minutes later with a predictable penalty try.
And while the USA enjoyed a territorial advantage in the first half, Italy calmly took their chances when they were on offer, showing the knack of good teams who score whenever they enter the opposition's 'red zone'.
They collected tries through captain Sergio Parisse (after only a couple of minutes), first-five Luciano Orquera and prop Martin Castrogiovanni in the first half. Castrogiovanni's was particularly deserved after he was denied by the TMO with time almost up in the half, but he got his reward when pushed over minutes later.
The USA, in their last hurrah at this tournament, scored an excellent try through fullback Chris Wyles, who followed up a powerful tackle-busting break by centre Paul Emerick.
The Eagles will enjoy the rest of their time in New Zealand, safe in the knowledge that they got the one victory they were after _ against Russia.
Ireland and Australia will expect to progress to the quarterfinals, but Italy could still have a say in which direction the big two go.
Australia, three points behind Ireland, play Russia in Nelson on Saturday and will expect five match points. They would dearly love the Italians to upset Ireland and provide them with an 'easier' route to the final against Northern Hemisphere opposition.
The Italians showed exquisite handling at times after the break but they became bogged down until their bonus point-claiming penalty try eased them out to a 17-point margin.
In a sometimes feisty clash, Todd Clever - all perspiration to go with his ponytail - was a powerful force at flanker for the Americans, while Emerick impressed with his straight running at centre.
Italy flanker Parisse was direct with the ball and try-scorer Castrogiovanni a rock at tighthead prop until he went off with a sore calf in the final minutes.
Italy 27 (Sergio Parisse, Luciano Orquera, Martin Castrogiovanni, penalty, tries; Mirco Bergamasco 2 cons, pen).
USA 10 (Chris Wyles try, con, pen). HT: 20-10.