Football, Rugby, UFC, GAA
All free when you join eir Broadband
Sergio Parisse believes head coach Conor O'Shea will bring success to the Italy team.
A late flurry of scores saw the Azzurri go down 33-7 to Wales in their Six Nations opener on Sunday but for 50 minutes an upset looked a distinct possibility.
Having masterminded a famous victory over South Africa in the November internationals, O'Shea has made an immediate impact with Italy and Parisse feels wins over the more established rugby nations can become a more regular event under the Irishman.
“Conor arrived with a lot of energy. He’s a young coach and he had a good experience in Harlequins,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“He’s intelligent and he understood quickly that in Italy there are a few things to change.
“The team feels his energy and positivity.
“In November we showed good things, especially the victory against South Africa.
“Consistency in every match is the objective."
The number eight is facing a race against time to be fit for Ireland's visit to Rome on Saturday but despite rumours he is considering quitting the international scene, the desire to play for his country is as strong as ever.
"When you feel fresh, and you know your body...I want to play," he continued.
"I still love playing and obviously for me it’s really important to manage my body and energy with Stade Francais and Italy."
More games than ever before! eir Sport will show 23 live games from the Allianz Leagues, including five triple headers. The eir Sport pack is free to eir residential broadband customers.
Liverpool thrashed West Ham 4-1 at the London Stadium to move up to sixth in the Premier League table.
Jose Mourinho has turned down an invitation to meet with a Manchester United fans group after recent critical comments about them.
Peter Crouch climbed off the bench to grab an equaliser and earn Stoke City a 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the Bet365 Stadium.
Ireland manager Martin O'Neill will be without Preston striker Sean Maguire for the World Cup play-off matches against Denmark.
Entertainment was in short supply in the 3pm kick-offs as the four games featured only a combined four goals between them.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admitted he faces an uncertain future after a 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool left the club just one point and one place above the dr...
Irish golfer Shane Lowry carded a bogey-free third round 65 to take a share of the lead in the Turkish Airlines Open at the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort.