That came in the form of the news that Parisse is currently set to sit out the remainder of the tournament after picking up a red card for insulting a Top 14 referee while playing for Stade Francais.

Italy head coach Brunel had a number of options to choose from instead of Parisse at No.8 but opted to go for Treviso’s Vosawai over teammate Paul Derbyshire.

Brunel insists he chose Vosawai because Robert Barbieri isn’t 100 per-cent fit and Alessandro Zanni hasn’t played in that position much this season, the latter keeping his place at No.6.

And Brunel also shone light on the reason why he has changed his half-back pairing as he brings in Treviso duo Kris Burton and Edoardo Gori with Tobias Botes and Luciano Orquera having to settle for a place on the bench for the Wales clash.

“Manoa plays that role [No.8] at Treviso, just like Robert Barbieri and to a lesser extend Paul Derbyshire,” said Brunel.

“Zanni, from what I’ve seen, doesn’t play at eight for Treviso any more, Barbieri is still not 100 per-cent, which is why we have gone with Vosawai, with Derbyshire on the bench as a possible replacement, as well as another option on the flank.

“Tobias [Botes] and Luciano [Orquera] played very well against France, but in Scotland they struggled in the game management, like the rest of the team, and that’s why we have decided to make changes.”