Italy takes on the US Eagles at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Tuesday but the looming shadow of the defining Pool C match on Sunday against Ireland is ever present, making it difficult for Parisse and teammates to stay on-message Monday about the threat posed by the Americans.
"They scored lots of tries and have now won all their matches in the pool," Parisse said of Ireland's 62-12 win over Russia on Sunday. "So they will be really confident, especially after their win over the Wallabies. (But) Russia scored two tries from first-phase play and Ireland made mistakes that we will analyze. One of the tries was from a lineout that Russia attacked wide from," he added, before returning to the party line.
"Of course we are all aware of the match against Ireland, but we are focused on tomorrow's match. We don't want to think about it too much because we could waste too much of our energy on it. We want the right result tomorrow so that we can prepare for the Ireland match in the best way possible." There is good reason to be wary of the Eagles. The US squad pushed Ireland all the way before eventually losing 22-10, a form line that holds up well following the 15-6 win by the Irish against Tri-Nations winner Australia which has changed the whole complexion of the knockout draw.
US coach Eddie O'Sullivan has selected his first-choice team which beat Russia 13-6 after making 14 changes to the lineup to play Australia last week. He basically conceded that match 67-5 to the Wallabies in order to focus on Italy and possibly steal third place in the pool to automatically qualify for the 2015 World Cup.
"I'm not saying we'll beat Italy, that'd be an arrogant thing to say, but I think we can test Italy and see what they've got," O'Sullivan said. "We know we're on the flight home on Wednesday morning, so if we can turn in another big performance against a Tier One nation, as we did against Ireland, that'd be a perfect way for us to finish our World Cup." Italy coach Nick Mallett has largely kept faith with the team that lost 32-6 to Australia after having held the Tri-Nations champions to 6-6 at halftime.
Loosehead prop Salvatore Perugini didn't play then because of a leg injury but he returns for his 82nd cap to add experience, as does backrower Mauro Bergamasco. The wholehearted openside flanker will play his 87th test after overcoming long-term knee and shoulder problems.
The only other change was forced by injury, with Andrea Masi ruled out due to a strained calf muscle and replaced by Luke McLean.
"They're a very good setpiece team, very physical, carry the ball aggressively, take it through phases and have a good kicking game," O'Sullivan said of Italy. "They're pretty much the full package this time round." Parisse, Perugini, Bergamasco, winger Tommaso Benvenuti and lock Quintin Geldenhuys are the only players to keep their spots from Italy's 53-17 win over Russia last week.
Mallett doesn't expect the Americans to "crack physically" but he also has one eye on Italy's five-day turnaround to play Ireland, which will have two extra days to prepare.
"If I have the chance to take off Sergio Parisse or Martin Castrogiovanni at the 60-minute mark, I would love to," Mallett said. "But I can't risk the match if the scores are close." Mallett is unlikely to receive any complaints from Parisse about his plans, the world-class No. 8 unable to help himself returning to the imminent Irish clash.
"It could be the end of our World Cup, or the chance to make history," Parisse said.
