MARSEILLE (Reuters) - Domination of the set-piece will be the key to victory in their decisive Pool C shoot-out against Italy, according to Scotland captain Jason White.

"It's the basics in rugby that count," White told reporters at the team's training base in L'Etrat on Wednesday.

"Everyone knows the front five have to do well. We need to make sure our set-piece is very good and we win our lineouts and take it from there. It's very important our front five can win the battle against their front five."

A second-string Scotland struggled to win their own ball during their 40-0 defeat at home to New Zealand on Sunday, but White said he did not think his side would have the same problem against Italy.

"We're expecting a physical challenge from the Italians. Their scrum is good but I don't think it's quite as good as New Zealand's."

With a two-point advantage over Italy in Pool C, Scotland must win or draw the match at St. Etienne on Saturday if they are to maintain their record of making the quarter-finals at every World Cup.

White said Scotland were a better prepared team than when they lost at home to Italy in the Six Nations in February. Then the Scots conceded three tries in the first six minutes on their way to a 37-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

"Obviously a lot of guys were a bit inexperienced," said the flanker, who did not play in that match.

"More of the guys in the squad are experienced now. I don't think revenge is the right word but we need to redress what wasn't a good performance at our home."

Scotland began their World Cup campaign with an unconvincing performance in their 56-10 win over Portugal, but were in far better shape in a 42-0 victory over Romania before sinking to their comprehensive defeat at the hands of the All Blacks.

"We're going into this reasonably happy with the way we have played so far and we're looking forward to the game," said White.

"Everyone in the squad has played games, our performance has improved but the test comes at the weekend."