The Latest: Parisse to break northern hemisphere test record

TOKYO (AP) — The Latest on Day 13 at the Rugby World Cup in Japan (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

Sergio Parisse is back to captain Italy against South Africa, when an Italian win would put them through to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Parisse will also become the most capped player from the northern hemisphere when he runs on in Shizuoka on Friday. He’ll play his 142nd test, overtaking former Ireland center Brian O’Driscoll. Only former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has played more tests (148).

Parisse’s return at No. 8 is one of three changes to the starting lineup by coach Conor O’Shea but the only change in the forward pack from the 48-7 win over Canada last Thursday. Parisse replaces flanker Sebastian Negri.

South Africa-born Braam Steyn, who played at No. 8 vs. Canada, returns to the blindside flank for the game against the Springboks. There are two changes in the backline, with scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi and center Luca Morsi into the team. Michele Campagnaro switches from center to wing.

O’Shea matched South Africa’s selection by also picking just two backs on his eight-man bench, with the game expected to be decided in the forward exchanges.

Italy opened with wins over Namibia and Canada and faces its first stern test in Japan against the two-time champion Springboks, who effectively need to win to stay alive at the World Cup.

Italy: Matteo Minozzi, Tommaso Benvenuti, Luca Morsi, Jaden Hayward, Michele Campagnaro, Tommaso Allan, Tito Tebaldi; Sergio Parisse (captain), Jake Polledri, Braam Steyn, Dean Budd, David Sisi, Simone Ferrari, Luca Bigi, Andrea Lovotti. Reserves: Federico Zani, Nicola Quaglio, Marco Riccioni, Alessandro Zanni, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Callum Braley, Carlo Canna