Sergio Parisse plans to exploit England’s forced changes in Six Nations opener

AFP/Getty Images
Chris Jones30 January 2018

Sergio Parisse knows Italy will find it tough against England despite the absence of Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes.

England travel to Rome for the Six Nations’ opener on Sunday with changes forced on them in the back row. Sam Simmonds of Exeter will earn his fourth cap, at No8.

Parisse said: “Vunipola and Hughes are great ball carriers and in terms of the physical they lose a bit, but not in terms of quality.

“It will be a tough Six Nations for us, but our objective is not just to be competitive, but to play good rugby and win.”

Meanwhile, suspended pair James Haskell and Joe Marler have been included in the England squad.

The duo will miss England's opening fixtures, in Rome and then against Wales at Twickenham on February 10, after being handed bans this month but head coach Eddie Jones has called up the experienced players nevertheless.

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