For such a religious nation it was perhaps appropriate that it needed a biblical figure to steal the show and help Italy defeat Japan 32-19 on Sunday on a scorching hot day at Toyko's Chichibunomiya Stadium.
Three tries from the dread-locked Martin Castrogiovanni (how many props can claim a test match hat trick?) eventually proved the difference as the Italians restored some lost pride following their defeat to Romania last week.
"He's like Samson. We are not going to cut his hair," said Italy coach John Kirwan after the game. "He's had a couple of weeks off and had a little bit of extra gas, and showed why he can be one of the best players in his position in the world."