SCRUM’S THE WORD

WORLD CUP DIARY

THE WORLD CUP has gone interstellar, with the help of Sergio Parisse. The legendary Italian No 8 has exchanged messages with astronaut Luca Parmitano ahead of the Azzurri’s match against South Africa — which will be his 142nd Test and make him the second-most capped player of all time behind Richie McCaw (148). And, as Parmitano (below) is a big Italy rugby fan, tournament organisers have arranged for the match to be beamed up to the International Space Station — making it the first World Cup match to be broadcast in space. For Parmitano’s sake let’s hope Italy’s almost inevitable demise does not bring him back down to earth with a bang.

SCOTLAND coach Mike Blair has called for World Rugby to expand the number of players in squads as players might have to play unfit with the current 31 allowed. He said: ‘You are vulnerable in some positions when you cut down to 31. A couple more players would help, as would extending (the competition) by a few days so everyone gets similar breaks. There might be guys who don’t go on the pitch 100 per cent fit. That might need to be looked at.’

SAMOA have an idea to stop referees flashing them cards — buying them beers. The Pacific Islanders have been shown three yellow cards and a red in their first two games. Joking about how to get onside with Jaco Peyper, who will be in charge of their match against Japan on Saturday, boss Steve Jackson said: ‘We’re going to take him out for dinner and then have a drink!’

AUSSIE wing Jordan Petaia, born in 2000, will be the first player born this century to play in a World Cup when he faces Uruguay on Saturday.