Six Nations relegation 'ridiculous' says beaten Parisse

Italy captain Sergio Parisse said talk of introducing relegation to the Six Nations was "ridiculous" after a 67-14 thrashing by Wales in Cardiff on Saturday again raised questions over the Azzurri's place among Europe's elite.

This latest reverse meant bottom-of the-table Italy finished this season's Six Nations having lost all five of their Championship matches this season, and for the second week in a row they conceded nine tries following a 58-15 hammering by Ireland in Dublin.

But Parisse said Italy, who've won just 12 out of 85 matches since becoming the 'sixth' nation in 2000, insisted all talk of relegation would cease if, as happened last season when Scotland came last, another side were left propping up the standings.

"When you lose matches, it's normal that everyone talks about relegation, I understand that," said Parisse, a world-class No 8.

"But I think there's no way to have relegation in this tournament because can you imagine next year if someone like Ireland or Scotland are last and got relegated? Do you think the (national) federations are going to accept that?"

However, with second-tier European nations Georgia and Romania impressing at last year's World Cup, pressure is growing on officials to at least consider a play-off match.

- 'Historic results' -

"I really respect all the other nations -- Georgia and Romania have really progressed a lot -- but we have been involved in this tournament because we are doing great results," said Parisse.

"We have beaten great teams, we beat Ireland, Wales, we beat France a few times, and Scotland and we win the respect from everyone to be involved in this tournament," added the Italy skipper, whose country have yet to beat England, this season's Six Nations champions.

"Obviously, it's a difficult campaign but I think at the same time the other nations (Romania and Georgia) must have historic results as we did in the past and maybe one day be involved in this tournament but there's no way to do relegation.

"In the last 10-15 years we have had historic results and tell me another nation that deserves more than us to be involved? They didn't have the same results.

"I think it's ridiculous. If one day, anyone decides we must be involved in a relegation match we are going to accept that and play 100 percent."

The 29 tries scored against Italy this Championship were the most they had conceded in a single Six Nations and Parisse, who plays club rugby for Paris-based Stade Francais, was particularly disappointed by Italy's defence against Wales.

"We made a lot of mistakes, especially one-on-one tackles. They (Wales) scored two tries from first phase and at this level that's not acceptable. It was a really good performance from Wales, but at the same time it was a really poor performance from us."

For Wales, victory secured second place following last weekend's 25-21 loss away to England.

Defeat at Twickenham was all but assured after an opening 40 minutes that ended with England 16-0 up.

"We were all disappointed with the first half of last week," said Gatland. "The players were incredibly honest. They spoke about how important it was to go out and deliver a performance and start well this week.

"In fairness to the players, they did that," the New Zealander added.