Kirwan - not afraid of tough decisions.

By Duncan Bech, PA Sport

Last season John Kirwan steered Italy to their most successful RBS Six Nations season as the Azzurri avoided the wooden spoon for the first time since entering the tournament in 2000.

A 30-22 victory over Wales saw Steve Hansen's men finish the championship bottom of the pile and marked Italy's first Six Nations win since ambushing Scotland in Rome nearly four years ago.

And while the Italians were unable to register another win in the tournament, they showed real guts in the second half against England and pushed Scotland all the way at Murrayfield.

Italy's relative success last year earnt Kirwan a contract extension, and it was well deserved.

The former All Black, who helped new New Zealand lift the Webb-Ellis trophy in 1987, has moved Italy away from their traditional forward-dominated game in favour of a more expansive approach.

The retirement of inspirational fly-half Diego Dominguez provided his greatest headache which at one point he looked to have vanquished through the emergence of Ramiro Pez.

But after showing some neat touches in attack, he proved to be a liability in defence and the Leicester player was discarded before the World Cup with the unknown Rima Wakarua taking his place.

Wakarua performed with credit and it took courage for Kirwan to pluck a player from Italian second grade rugby and ask him to perform on the biggest stage of all.

But he has never been afraid to make bold decisions - just ask star flanker Mauro Bergamasco who was switched to winger.

A promising World Cup saw Italy lose to only Wales and New Zealand in the group stages and under Kirwan's direction they could continue to blossom.