SERGIO Parisse will start his record-equaling fifth World Cup by leading Italy out against Namibia.
The 36-year-old No.8 will join his former team-mate Mauro Bergamasco and ex- Samoa midfielder Brian Lima as the only players to compete in five Rugby World Cups.
It will be his 141st cap, moving him level with Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll in second place on the all-time list, seven behind former New Zealand captain Richie McCaw.
The Italians have never progressed out of the Pool stage at the World Cup and Parisse said: “The fifth, I hope it will be my best. It is something to ...