Parisse a world beater, says Geldenhuys

Sergio Parisse would be lauded as the world’s best number eight if he were an All Black, according to Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys.

Linchpin number eight Parisse must still pass one final fitness test on Friday before being cleared to face Ireland in Sunday’s crucial World Cup clash at London’s Olympic Stadium.

The 32-year-old is still battling to beat the calf haematoma that ruled him out of Italy’s opening two matches, and second row Geldenhuys admitted the Azzurri need him to “run the show” against Ireland.