Eddie O'Sullivan admits Ireland will be limping into Rome as they prepare for an enthralling climax to the RBS Six Nations.
Ireland, France and England are locked in a three-way struggle for the title with the championship set to be decided by point's difference if they win their final games.
Their cause has not been helped by the loss of inspirational Munster lock Paul O'Connell to a fractured thumb sustained in the 19-18 victory over Scotland. Mick O'Driscoll is in pole position to replace his provincial team-mate in the starting line-up with Leinster's Trevor Hogan a leading contender to fill the vacancy on the bench.
Isaac Boss remains unavailable but prop Marcus Horan could return when the team is announced at lunchtime tomorrow. Skipper Brian O'Driscoll fell awkwardly on the shoulder he had reconstructed and will be monitored closely while Gordon D'Arcy received treatment near the end at Murrayfield.
O'Sullivan said: 'The guys are physically and mentally tired. They were battle-weary at the end of the game against Scotland. The boys had to make some hard yards and several of them were pretty beaten up and battered.
'We are into the seventh week of the Six Nations and it's been like having a boxing match every week. The fellas are tired and the bumps and bruises don't go away easily.
'Now it's about managing people for Rome. You can't just keep beasting them every week, there is a balance between work and rest. We are getting into the endgame here.'
O'Sullivan is braced for a 'dogfight' against the Azzurri, who are guaranteed to avoid the wooden spoon following their controversial 23-20 triumph over Wales.
He added: 'I'm not at all surprised Italy beat Wales. It is time people sat up and accepted that Italy are a serious team in the Six Nations now.
'They've won away from home this year and they've won at home this year, and we've got our work cut out on Saturday, there's no doubt about that. They're on a roll now. They've got momentum after securing two wins on the bounce and we're expecting a dogfight in Rome.'
