SERGIO PARISSE VERY much subscribes to Warren Gatland’s view of Ireland’s attacking game-plan.
Parisse, despite admitting himself that he was only 70 per cent fit yesterday, delivered a typical all-action display against Ireland before being called ashore in the 65th minute.
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Joe Schmidt’s side struggled to break down the Italians for the majority of the contest with the likes of Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray resorting to the boot time and again. Ireland kicked the ball 35 times in total at the Olympic Stadium and Parisse felt his opponents stuck to their strengths.
“Yes, I think today collectively it was a very, very good match even if we lost,” said the Azzurri number eight. “The world was expecting a big defeat. The whole world expected Ireland to roll over us and win by 50 points… but the team responded with a great display.
“If we had scored the try in the second half, if Josh (Furno) had scored, I think it could have been a different game. Ireland kicked a lot and didn’t take any risks and that’s what they’re good at.
“They are one the strongest teams in the world and they brought home the victory.”
The Stade Francais forward battled back from a calf haematoma, that kept him out of his side’s opening two World Cup matches against France and Canada, to lead his country against Ireland.
“What can I say, I tried to give my best,” said Parisse. “To think, three weeks ago, I was on crutches in Paris and five weeks ago, I was under general anesthetic having surgery.”
The 32-year-old may very well be playing in his last World Cup but the future of the Italian backrow looks bright with Francesco Minto and Simone Favaro putting in monstrous shifts.
Favaro, who will play his rugby with Glasgow Warriors this season, was superb against Ireland and could well be Italy’s next leader, according to his fellow backrower Parisse: “Favaro is infectious, not just what he says but what he does on the pitch. He gives the team energy around the pitch.”
Sergio Parisse: 'Ireland kicked a lot and didn’t take any risks and that’s what they’re good at'
SERGIO PARISSE VERY much subscribes to Warren Gatland’s view of Ireland’s attacking game-plan.
Parisse, despite admitting himself that he was only 70 per cent fit yesterday, delivered a typical all-action display against Ireland before being called ashore in the 65th minute.
Joe Schmidt’s side struggled to break down the Italians for the majority of the contest with the likes of Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray resorting to the boot time and again. Ireland kicked the ball 35 times in total at the Olympic Stadium and Parisse felt his opponents stuck to their strengths.
“Yes, I think today collectively it was a very, very good match even if we lost,” said the Azzurri number eight. “The world was expecting a big defeat. The whole world expected Ireland to roll over us and win by 50 points… but the team responded with a great display.
“If we had scored the try in the second half, if Josh (Furno) had scored, I think it could have been a different game. Ireland kicked a lot and didn’t take any risks and that’s what they’re good at.
“They are one the strongest teams in the world and they brought home the victory.”
The Stade Francais forward battled back from a calf haematoma, that kept him out of his side’s opening two World Cup matches against France and Canada, to lead his country against Ireland.
The 32-year-old may very well be playing in his last World Cup but the future of the Italian backrow looks bright with Francesco Minto and Simone Favaro putting in monstrous shifts.
Favaro, who will play his rugby with Glasgow Warriors this season, was superb against Ireland and could well be Italy’s next leader, according to his fellow backrower Parisse: “Favaro is infectious, not just what he says but what he does on the pitch. He gives the team energy around the pitch.”
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IreIta PARISSE Rugby World Cup rwc 15 RWC 2015