Parisse: We do not expect much champagne rugby
Italy captain braced for ‘real battle’ with England Referee urged to treat penalised team fairly
The supersized backline selected by England for today at Twickenham has left Sergio Parisse, the Italy captain, with no doubts about what to expect.
England’s midfield pairing of Ben Te’o and Manu Tuilagi are joined by the presence on the wing of Joe Cokanasiga. The heavyweight trio appear built for a direct approach and, in Parisse’s mind, very little else.
“I do not know what Eddie Jones’s plans are but when you see their back line, we do not expect too many passes or too much champagne rugby around the field,” Parisse said. “We think we are going to have a real battle, real physicality from their centres. We are ready for that. We know what is coming.”
Italy’s first-half effort against Ireland offered up moments of encouragement but for all the progress on the field under Conor O’shea, and at Pro14 level where Benetton are flying, their 20-match losing run in the Six Nations still looms ominously over this game. Few will give them a prayer.
Yet Parisse remains unbowed. This is no day out in south-west London.
“We have not come here to see England play,” he said. “We want to play, to not just be spectators, and to play our best rugby. It’s the only way to be competitive against this side.
“Ireland was a good performance but still a defeat. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves, our system and staff. We are excited to play at Twickenham, and of course respect this England team, but we have come here to play our game. Maybe it will be enough to cause them problems.”
Italy’s billing as the second-most penalised team in the competition has to be a concern, with the captain calling for referee Nic Berry to not punish his side purely on reputation.
“I ask for the referee to officiate the blue and white teams, not Italy and England, if you know what I mean. I want respect for my team. If we are not disciplined, then punish us, but have the same approach for the opposition. Then we have to respect his call.”
Now 35, Parisse is set to bow out of the sport at a time when talk of relegation in the Six Nations, through the proposed Nations Championship, has never been louder. His thoughts on not only that topic but rugby as a whole deserve to be heard, even if the Italian colossus feels they will make little impact.
“Italy was not added into the Six Nations because it is a nice country and people wanted a weekend away in Rome,” he said. “Italy and a lot of players from the past defeated big teams to show they should be involved in the competition and be part of it. We [players] do not decide anything.
“I agree with relegation because it is fair for the sport. If World Rugby does a new competition with relegation, then Italy and everyone are going to respect it.”
As for today’s game, England lock George Kruis yesterday followed the party line put out by Jones. When it comes to Italy, particularly after the no-ruck saga two years ago, expect the unexpected.
“They’ve put on some pretty good performances in this Six Nations and we know they could chuck anything at us – like they have done previously. They’re unpredictable and can play in different styles,” Kruis said.
“If Conor [O’shea] lets them play, then they can play and produce some magic out the back. We’re prepared for that and we’re not underestimating them.”