The Australian forwards struggled last weekend in the 29-29 draw with Wales, highlighted best when the Welsh pack smashed the Wallabies at a scrum inside their 22 that was a genuine chance for the visitors to score the winning points.

Instead Wales won a scrum feed of their own, and held on in the final two minutes for a dramatic draw.

Connolly admitted that the Italians would be another tough prospect up forward, leaving the result up to the backs.

"They're very strong," Connolly told the ABC. "Italian rugby over the last few years since the game went professional and the European Cup came aboard (has been improving).

"The whole Italian forward pack plays overseas so their forwards are pretty strong - very strong in the front row - and it will be a good test for us in the forwards."

"We are hopeful we will have an advantage in the backs."

The Wallabies will be looking to claim their first win of the tour in Rome after a loss to Welsh club Ospreys before Saturday's draw.

Sportal