It was the typical Sergio Parisse performance. He carried strong at close quarters, tackled all day, played sweeper on halfway on occasion and even burrowed over for a first half try.
His display was the main reason that Italy were in a position to snatch a late win, as they drove into drop goal territory as the clock ticked to 80. That's when things got a little bit complicated.
Yes, Parisse has an exquisite all-round skill-set and yes, Parisse did have one more test drop goal than any other Italy player on the pitch (he has one), but was the Stade Francais legend really the person who should have shuffled back into the pocket for a shot at a glorious win?
His effort skewed wide and France clung on for a 23-21 victory.
It should be said that the out-half Italy had on the field at the time was Kelly Haimona, a man who without exaggeration can be described as the worst player to ever take the field in the Six Nations.
Still though, he allegedly has some skills required to play out-half so perhaps the Zebre man, or possibly Luke McClean, should have been given a chance.
People who watched the game were unsure as to whether Parisse should have stepped aside.
Sergio Parisse: 1 Test drop goal. Kelly Haimona + Luke Mclean: 0 Test drop goals.
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) February 6, 2016
People having a go at Parisse for trying that drop goal, but wasn't it a case of others dodging the responsibility of taking it on?
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) February 6, 2016
Glory hunting by Parisse. Plain and simple
— Michael McCarthy (@McCarthyMick) February 6, 2016
Parisse no! ?
— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) February 6, 2016
Parisse in desperation hacks at a drop goal attempt. I thought Italy had numbers right during those last phases. France win 23-21.
— Nick Heath (@rugbymedia) February 6, 2016
What the hell was Parisse thinking? Crazy. Were he English he'd be slaughtered for that!
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) February 6, 2016
Was going to suggest the Italian coach make Parrise walk home after that DK
But he lives in Paris
Not the severest of punishments....
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) February 6, 2016
What do you think? Was Parisse right to try and play the hero?
