James and Daniel Donato are champing at the bit ahead of their first start in Italy as Lazio Rugby will call on the Orange City duo for their round two meeting against Viadana.
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The Italian-based side suffered a 57-17 defeat in their season opener against Rovigo and even though the result didn't go the Eagles' way, that hasn't taken away from what's been an incredible experience for the former Eastern Suburbs guns.
"The last three weeks have been great," James Donato said.
"Daniel and I have settled in really well, and the club has been so welcoming and really taken us in as one of their own.
"All the boys are great guys who have also welcomed both of us with open arms. The club is a very proud one, and there's high standards which are expected to be met by everyone.
"That keeps everyone accountable and on their toes."
The 57-17 loss was "disappointing", but you always learn more from lop-sided defeats than you do from your massive victories.
"We came up against the top side and they were ruthless in attack and defence," he said.
"They probably exploited us in a few areas which we need to address and work on."
Many will want to know how the rugby in Italy stacks up to the quality in the Shute Shield, and Donato gave some insight on that, suggesting the hits are harder, and the structure is exemplified.
"Daniel and I both came off the bench against Rovigo and we both agreed the physicality is definitely a lot more felt here in the Top 10.
"It's a lost more set piece based, and you have to be really clinical in your scrum and line-out otherwise you get found out pretty quickly, especially with the amount of review teams do on you."
The duo must have made some sort of impression on players and coaches as they're set to be inserted into the starting line-up for a showdown against Viadana at home in Rome.
As is always the case in situations like this, first impressions are crucial, and the boys are pumped to put their combination on display for the rest of the competition.
"We're extremely excited for it," he said.
"We're excited to showcase what we can do together."
The Eagles will be hell-bent on chalking up a win as chasing losses this early in the season is always a tricky proposition.
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