Parisse to Overtake O’Driscoll’s Appearance Record vs Scotland

Sergio Parisse is set to overtake Brian O’Driscoll’s appearance record in the Six Nations. In his 66th tournament appearance the Argentine born Italian captain will start at no 8 for Italy’s away match against Scotland on Saturday.

Head Coach Conor O’Shea has named Parisse in a forwards pack also featuring Deann Budd, David Sisi, Sebastian Negri, and Abraham Steyn. All three are Foreign-Born players. A complete list of all players involved in the Six Nations from abroad can be seen by clicking here.

Toulouse hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini joins props Andrea Lovotti and Simone Ferrari in the front-row. They will be among Italy’s strongest assets to take on Scotland.

In the backs Tito Tebaldi partners Tommaso Allan in the halves; Tommaso Castello and Luca Morisi play in the mid-field, and Michele Campagnaro, Angelo Esposito and Jayden Hayward will be the starting back-three. The surprise is that of Campagnaro moving from outside center to wing.

ITALY

15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Angelo Esposito, 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Tommaso Castello, 11 Michele Campagnaro, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Sergio Parisse (capt.), 7 Abraham Steyn, 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Dean Budd, 4 David Sisi, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lovotti

Replacements: 16 Luca Bigi, 17 Cherif Traore’ 18 Tiziano Pasquali, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Jimmy Tuivaiti, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Ian McKinley, 23 Edoardo Padovani