Samuela Vunisa has insisted that he can handle the pressure of replacing Italy legend Sergio Parisse for Saturday's meeting with France at Twickenham.
An injured calf forced Jacques Brunel to leave Parisse out of the side for their opening World Cup match, but Vunisa is confident that he can fill his experienced teammate's shoes as the Azzurri look to make a promising start to the tournament.
"Replacing a hero in the team is a really humbling moment," the Saracens number eight told reporters. "Sergio has really helped me. When I first arrived he's always been there in my first few games.
"I went and worked with him and talked with him and the only thing he says it that we are two different players. I am big and scary, he is more of a leader and his presence is always felt.
"We are two different players offering something different. As an islander I am known as a ball-carrier. It is always good to have go-forward so the backs can do their show and have their dance. For me to contribute to the team, I put my hands up and do it for the team."
Vunisa will win just his ninth cap for Italy on Saturday.
Callum Mulvihill
