Ireland a level above Italy, says Sergio Parisse

Sergio Parisse believes Ireland are “the best team in the northern hemisphere” but believes Italy can upset them in their RBS 6 Nations opener at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday. 

The 31-year-old Italy captain has long been renowned as one of the world’s finest number eights and has now returned to top form after beating niggling back trouble.

The 103-cap skipper is in line to lead Italy into Saturday’s tournament opener, well aware last season’s last-placed finish was a long way from par.