Murray Kinsella reports from London
ITALY CAPTAIN SERGIO Parisse says he will not be near full fitness when he leads his team out against Ireland tomorrow in their Pool D clash at Olympic Park (KO 4.45pm).
The 32-year-old has been hurried back from a leg injury that required a minor surgical procedure to remove fluid and caused Parisse to miss Italy’s opening games against France and Canada.
Back at number eight, Parisse will undoubtedly galvanise the Italians mentally but he feels he cannot deliver to his usual level.
“I certainly won’t be at 100% tomorrow,” said Parisse after Italy’s captain’s run in Olympic Park this afternoon. “It is not an excuse but I certainly won’t be able to perform to my usual standards.
I will give my very best, as I always try to. When I get tired, which I certainly will, it will be all about how I mentally react.
“I am but I am not as fit as I want to be. My calf has caused be a lot of problems. I will not be 100% but I will give my best. As long as my legs are going forward I will still be fighting.
“But, as I said, no excuses. As long as I can last on the pitch, I will give everything I have.”
Ireland have, as always, been heaping the plaudits on Parisse this week, with Paul O’Connell again underlining the Italian skipper’s qualities earlier today.
“It is a great compliment because obviously it is coming from an Irish rugby living legend,” said Parisse of O’Connell’s praise. “You know me very well now, I do not like to focus on the positives. I focus on giving my best on the rugby field.”
The Stade Français man denied that Italy are dependent on him, stressing that rugby is a 15-man game. Whatever about his protestation, Parisse is the key to Italy’s hopes of an upset, even if he doesn’t last into the closing minutes.
On the other side, Ireland have a number of their own key players fully fit and in form. Parisse sees threats all over the pitch.
They have players like Sexton, Murray, Heaslip and O’Brien,” said Parisse. “Ireland are really, really good from a tactical point of view, and in high balls, the breakdown and scrum. They put a lot of pressure on teams in those areas.
“They play simple rugby really well. I don’t think they have one player that makes a huge difference. They have a couple of key players. I’m saying nothing new by stating they have such a great team and that they are better than us.
“We have to play our best match of the tournament tomorrow to give us a chance.”
