Ireland backed to end England’s run

– After playing both teams, Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes Ireland can bring England’s run of two successive Six Nations titles to an end.

The 34-year-old No 8 was speaking following a 56-19 drubbing by the Irish on Saturday, having lost 46-15 to England in Rome the previous week.

The two tournament favourites are due to meet in what many anticipate to be a Grand Slam decider at Twickenham on March 17 – which is also the national day of Ireland’s patron St Patrick.

“Personally, for me having played against them both it was more difficult against Ireland,” said Parisse.

But Italy’s head coach Conor O’Shea said potentially serious injuries to star centre Robbie Henshaw – who had to have oxygen administered after coming down on his shoulder when scoring his second try – and prop Tadgh Furlong, who felt a tightening of his hamstring early on, could hinder Ireland.

“If you ask me now, will Ireland win (against England)? I would say, depending on their injuries,” said Irishman O’Shea.

“They are big losses to the team but at the same time they won’t lose here (at Lansdowne Road against Wales or Scotland).

“They will have stiffer tests because their opponents will hold on to the ball, unlike us.” –

Dublin