Sergio Parisse is banjaxed.
The Italian captain is about as far away from being fit as London is from his home-town of La Plata, Argentina.
Parisse’s calf has laid him low for the last month. He has had blood drained from it twice and has been in Paris, with his club, Stade Francais, for the past two weeks – trying desperately to get back to some sort of working order.
His country needs him, though. They lost their World Cup opener to France and will not reach the knock-out stages if they fall to Ireland.
So, their captain is back.
Parisse was praised to the high heavens by Paul O’Connell and Conor Murray, earlier today.
O’Connell commented, “He is a little bit like a Johnny Sexton, or a Sean O’Brien, or Jamie Heaslip. I think he makes people believe around him because he believes himself so much. I suppose Brian O’Driscoll would have done that a lot for Ireland in the earlier days.
“Sergio has everything. He catches high balls, he chases high balls, he chips, he can make turnovers on the ground, he intercepts, he’s a phenomenal carrier, if he has to go straight he has great footwork, he’s a brilliant passer, he pressurise the referee. He does it all.”
In return, Parisse said:
“It is a great compliment [from Paul] because, obviously, it is coming from an Irish Rugby living legend. You know me very well now – I do not like to focus on the positives. I focus on giving my best on the rugby field.
“I certainly won’t be at 100% tomorrow. It is not an excuse but I certainly won’t be able to perform to my usual standards.
“I will give my very best, as I always try to. When I get tired, which I certainly will, it will be all about how I mentally react. But, as I said, no excuses. As long as I can last on the pitch, I will give everything I have.”
Parisse insists that no one player can win a match on his own but anyone that has watched him for Italy over the past 12 years, and fans of Top 14 rugby, would tell you otherwise. He inspired Stade Francais to a superb league title back in June.
Parisse is relishing the chance to face off against Ireland at the Olympic Stadium. He declared:
“I am [looking forward to playing] but I am not as fit as I want to be. My calf has caused be a lot of problems.
“I will not be 100% but I will give my best. As long as my legs are going forward I will still be fighting.”
“It is vital that we start well and give all we can in the first half,” he added.
Each time we start a game well, they tend to be close matches and we perform better. We need to be as competitive as possible.
“I will go out there and try to enjoy it. It will be fantastic to walk out at my fourth World Cup. Whether I make the second half, or whether I play 30, 40 or 60 minutes, I don’t know.”
He’s ready to go to war – on one leg and with every fibre of his being.
One last time, for old time’s sake.
