Another week, another new tournament on the horizon.

I COULDN’T help but feel sorry for Italy at the final whistle on Saturday at the Stadio Flaminio, watching as their outstanding captain Sergio Parisse sank to his knees, shattered, heartbroken and drained after yet another heroic performance in defeat.

THE external bruises from his date with the Cardiff Blues were there for all to see, steri-strips acting as a poor camouflage for yet another cut and bloodied right eye.

He may not have been everybody’s choice to lead the France national team into a new era, particularly given the calibre of candidates running against him, but none could provide the continuity offered in the appointment of Lievremont.

Toulouse 43 Glasgow 17