Haimona's Zebre move praised by Parisse

Haimona swapped Calvisano for Zebre for the 2014/15 season, the New Zealand-born fly-half going on to rack up 49 points in 11 appearances so far.

This form for Zebre in the GUINNESS PRO12 led Jacques Brunel to call Haimona up to his Italy squad as the 28-year-old started all three of the Azzurri's autumn Tests.

Haimona is set to star for Italy this month too and Parisse believes it is all down to his decision to sign on the dotted line for Zebre.

"It is important to be playing at a high level," said Parisse. "Before arriving at the Zebre Kelly was at Calvisano, which is not good enough to play in the national team.

"He has improved a lot at Zebre and deserved his opportunity in November. Jacques Brunel took a chance on him and that faith has already been repaid.

"He has so much ability but fly-half is pressurised, having to make hundreds of decisions every match, and he will have some difficult moments as well as some very good moments in this championship.

"It is important for me and the other forwards to give him a platform to play without too much pressure and show everyone how good he is.

"We need Kelly to build his confidence through this tournament because he's probably going to be our fly-half at the World Cup."

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