Italy captain Sergio Parisse has saluted Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll ahead of the two sides clash in Rome on Saturday.
O'Driscoll's future in the Six Nations remains unclear beyond the end of this year's tournament.
"When you talk about Ireland and rugby, you can't not talk about Brian O'Driscoll," said Parisse.
"He's one of the best centres in the history of the game. This will be his final match in Rome and he will want to finish with a win.
"I wish him luck in the rest of his life, but he has done many things for Ireland and rugby.
"For me when I think about a centre, I think about Brian O'Driscoll over all the rest.
Italy produced some of their best rugby as underdogs against France and England, whilst struggling when the pressure was on against Scotland Wales.
"Sometimes when we play big teams we get a little bit scared and we were like that before England at Twickenham," added Parisse.
"But we played a really good match and were very close to them in terms of the result. It will be better because we are playing at home and will have more chances to beat Ireland.
"Last time we played them here in the Six Nations we only lost to them late on because of a drop goal.
"They're one of the teams that we haven't been able to beat so we know it will be difficult, but if we show the same attitude that we did at Twickenham, we should get the result."
Comments
jmanngod says...
neither of those players are the best in their respective positions right now. Parisse never has been and O'Driscoll hasn't been for a very long time. Sorry... but that is the truth.
K Read is a far better No 8 and C Smith has been the worlds best centre for several seasons now.
Posted 17:57 26th March 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
He certainly would be Lions Captain were he a Brit
Posted 23:19 16th March 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Last year I though he was not up with Read and a few others but now Sergio is my world 15 no8. Always outstanding regardless of the opponent.
Posted 23:17 16th March 2013
THESKUTCH says...
Two greats
Posted 23:11 15th March 2013
Alwill says...
Not as big and powerful as some, but maybe the best all around 8 in the world, and one of the very best players.
Posted 20:47 15th March 2013
Madman says...
I think Sergio should go on tour as a Lion. Great chat about BOD from a star man.
Posted 18:00 15th March 2013