Sergio Parisse is flexing his impressive skillset in his final season of professional rugby, producing another moment of magic against Benetton in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
The Italian great set up Toulon’s opening try of the game for centre Duncan Paia’aua in the fourth minute.
Spotting that Benetton didn’t have any backfield cover, Parisse produced a wonderful kick-through for the Samoan international to score.
🤤 Sergio Parisse! #RCTvBEN #ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/f249c66E7Z
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 30, 2023
He started the game superbly, leading many to believe that Parisse was stepping up in order to earn a Test recall.
“Parisse starting like a man intent on winning a test recall and appearing in a 6th world cup!” Brendan Gallagher tweeted.
“Parisse decided this is the game to persuade Kieran Crowley” added Italian Rugby Players Abroad.
While others were just enjoying the Azzurri number eight adding to his already impressive highlight reel.
“Parisse still adding clips to his highlight reel. Ridiculous stuff.”
Parisse still adding clips to his highlight reel. Ridiculous stuff.
— Mike Pullen (@MikePullen1969) April 30, 2023
Hopes to earn one more Test cap
The 39-year-old still hopes to represent the Azzurri one more time before he officially hangs up his boots.
“I am playing and am available should Kieran Crowley need me,” Parisse told Planet Rugby in an exclusive interview.
“I am always available for my country, now and even to the Rugby World Cup if fit and in form. And yes, a sixth Rugby World Cup would honestly be a dream, but it’s very much an outside hope.”
He added: “For now, I want to enjoy the last moments with Toulon and maybe, just maybe, the phone ring from Italy for that last dance.
“Now, that would be a great finish!”
Parisse has played 142 times for Italy since making his debut in 2002. His most recent cap came at the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
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