Sergio Parisse says Italy face tough Six Nations test
Wednesday 27 January 2016 17:46, UK
Italy captain Sergio Parisse admits this year's Six Nations will be a testing tournament with a 10 uncapped players called into the squad.
Coach Jacques Brunel has been rocked by injuries to several of his players with his side opening their campaign against France in Paris on Saturday, February 6.
But Parisse, one of the few constants in an Italian side that has struggled in the Six Nations, believes the injury crisis will give others a chance to impress.
"Obviously for us as an Italian team, it is really, really tough, this tournament," Parisse said.
"But it is going to be a good opportunity for the young players to show their talent and show they can play for the Italian team."
Brunel has named South African-born back-row forwards Abraham Steyn and Andries van Schalkwyk, who play their club rugby in Italy, in his squad.
Italy have beaten France just three times in 36 attempts and they follow that up with a clash with England, a team they have never beaten in 21 matches, the following weekend.
