The Irish team might have been smiling when they arrived in Dunedin yesterday afternoon, but their buoyant mood would count for nothing unless they beat Italy, their captain said.
With three wins from three games - including an upset win against Australia - "we have managed to generate a bit of momentum and get people jumping on the bandwagon", captain Brian O'Driscoll told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"I am sure the smiles will be wiped off our faces if we don't get the result we are looking for at the weekend."
More than 100 supporters, including a large emerald green-clad contingent from Ravensbourne School, gathered at Dunedin International Airport to cheer and sing for their adopted team.
O'Driscoll said he was looking forward to the sold-out match against Italy at the new roofed Otago Stadium on Sunday.
"This is a huge game for us. It's kind of win or bust."
"The fact we have won the first three of our pool games is important, but it doesn't count for anything if we don't win our last."
He acknowledged his team's good form and the growing support around the country, adding "We want to stay a little bit longer".