‘All the pressure is on South Africa’
Italy coach Conor O’Shea believes his side have the ‘heart and courage’ to challenge the Springboks in this Friday’s crucial Pool B clash at the Shizuoka Stadium.
Vermeulen relishing loose-forward battle
Springbok eighthman Duane Vermeulen says he is looking forward to his battle with Italian captain Sergio Parisse in Friday’s must-win Pool B encounter in Shizuoka.
Parisse to skipper Italy at fifth RWC
Veteran No 8 Sergio Parisse will lead Italy at his fifth World Cup in Japan next month, equalling fellow Italian legend Mauro Bergamasco and Samoan Brian Lima for the most rugby World Cup appearances.
Parisse returns as Italy reshuffle back row
Coach Conor O’Shea has made three changes to Italy’s side ahead of their penultimate Six Nations match against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Wily Parisse a worry for Boks
The Springboks are wary of Italy’s tactics at the mauls and breakdowns following last year’s shock loss in Florence. JON CARDINELLI in Padua reports.
