Loose forward Simon Parker says the Springboks are exactly the kind of opponents he wants to face as the All Blacks prepare for a massive Test in Cape Town, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
He has been drafted into the New Zealand starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tussle at Cape Town Stadium, with Tupou Vaa’i shifting to lock to accommodate him at blindside flank.
It sets up a showdown with the Bok back row of Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese and Siya Kolisi, a prospect that appeals to Parker.
“[Being physical] is every forward’s role going up against the Boks,” the 26-year-old said on Thursday. “You saw last week just how physical they can be; it’s an exciting opportunity to go up against the world’s best.”
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Kolisi was passed fit on Tuesday and will captain the world champions, and Parker is relishing going toe to toe with the two-time World Cup winner.
“It’s massive. Put that in our shoes, it’s like Ardie [Savea] coming back for us. Just an inspirational leader for them with a great work ethic. It’s going to be a good battle,” he said.
Parker was involved in the All Blacks’ match 23 last year when the Boks hit back from a defeat at Eden Park with a record 43-10 win in Wellington, and knows a similarly fierce response could follow last week’s 33-16 victory for the Kiwis on the Highveld.
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“Everyone’s expecting a response from them, but we as a group expect a response from us, on stuff we didn’t get right. It’s a great chance for us to do so,” he added.
The 1.97m, 117kg Parker, who has nine Test caps since debuting against Argentina in August 2025, expects Saturday’s collisions to be matched by pace and skill out wide.
“They’re obviously a big physical team, and then on the other side of that, their backs have got elite feet, good footwork, fast and then it’s just the intensity,” he explained. .
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“Both teams know what they’re going to be walking into, so it creates a great vibe in the stadium.”
The Chiefs bruiser has made the most of his chances on this tour after limited game time during July’s Nations Championship.
“I’m looking forward to playing my part and getting stuck in,” he said. “I had some good feedback from the coaches, and it was just biding my time until my opportunity came.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Parker pumped for Bok back-row battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Loose forward Simon Parker says the Springboks are exactly the kind of opponents he wants to face as the All Blacks prepare for a massive Test in Cape Town.
The post Parker pumped for Bok back-row battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
