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Ireland can take England's Six Nations title, says Italy captain Sergio Parisse

DUBLIN, IRELAND - FEBRUARY 10:  Sergio Parisse of Italy escapes the tackle of Joey Carbery of Ireland during the NatWest Six Nations match between Ireland
Image: Sergio Parisse of Italy escapes the tackle of Joey Carbery of Ireland during the Six Nations match on Saturday

Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes Ireland can end England's run of successive Six Nations titles, having already played both sides.

The 34-year-old No 8 was speaking following a 56-19 drubbing by the Irish on Saturday, having lost 46-15 to England in Rome the previous week.

The two tournament favourites are due to meet in a potential Grand Slam decider at Twickenham on March 17 - which is also the national day of Ireland's patron St Patrick.

Dan Cole (centre) reaches to dislodge the ball from Italian captain Sergio Parisse
Image: Sergio Parisse in action against England last Sunday

"Personally, for me having played against them both it was more difficult against Ireland," said Parisse.

"I like the way they play."

Italy's head coach Conor O'Shea said potentially serious injuries to star centre Robbie Henshaw - who had to have oxygen administered after coming down on his shoulder when scoring his second try - and prop Tadgh Furlong, who felt a tightening of his hamstring early on, could hinder Ireland.

Ireland's centre Robbie Henshaw is helped from the field against Italy
Image: Ireland's centre Robbie Henshaw is helped from the field against Italy

"If you ask me now, will Ireland win [against England]? I would say, depending on their injuries," said O'Shea.

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"They are big losses to the team but at the same time they won't lose here [at Lansdowne Road against Wales or Scotland].

"They will have stiffer tests because their opponents will hold on to the ball, unlike us.

"I cannot see any other option than this title race going down to the England match on March 17," said the 47-year-old former Ireland full-back.

Ireland captain Rory Best was pleased with Parisse's compliment but insisted his side could still improve.

"I think it's always nice when you get a compliment from an opposing captain," said Best, who scored one of Ireland's eight tries against Italy.

"But we'll look at this game and we'll see there are a lot of things we can do a lot better.

"There are things we'll be pleased with but it's a nice compliment from a class player, but we'll judge ourselves with how we go."

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