Italian European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano is a massive rugby fan and won't let anything get in the way of following his team.

Although he has taken over command of the International Space Station some 408 kilometres above Japan, he will still get to see Italy in their do-or-die clash with South Africa tomorrow.

World Rugby is providing a special feed for Parmitano, who sees many parallels between the sport and space travel.

"Rugby is a fantastic game that celebrates friendship and teamwork," he said.

"Just like you have to work together to achieve a try, we on board the International Space Station have to collaborate with a team of astronauts and ground personnel from all over the world in order to achieve our objective, 'our try', which is space exploration, technology and science.

"Celebrating sport, your sport of community, teamwork and competition in the name of sportsmanship - we on board the station cooperate together to look for a better world."

The Italians need to pull off a massive surprise to get out of Pool B, with New Zealand expected to go through unbeaten having already beaten South Africa.    

Italy captain Sergio Parisse will make his 142nd test appearance against South Africa to become the second most capped player of all time behind Richie McCaw - and he's delighted to have such passionate support.

"It is an incredible feeling to know that the match on Friday will reach the space station - rugby and Rugby World Cup truly are without borders," Parisse said.

"It is the first time that a Rugby World Cup match is being shown in space and we are lucky to have an Italian supporter up there.

"We hope to be able to share the joy with you and hope to gift you some beautiful emotions."