All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has stirred the pot with his latest squad selection for the upcoming Rugby Championship, spotlighting Chiefs powerhouse Simon Parker as the boldest pick. At 25 years old and without a single cap, Parker has bulldozed his way into the main squad, overshadowing more seasoned players and causing quite the uproar.
Parker, a formidable figure at 117 kilograms and standing nearly two meters tall, has been a standout at both Super Rugby and NPC levels. Despite fierce competition within the Chiefs from established All Blacks like Luke Jacobson and Wallace Sititi, Parker's relentless performances haven’t gone unnoticed. His season, however, faced a setback with an ankle injury during a crucial playoff match, sidelining him for the semifinals and finals.
Robertson, never one to mince words, was upfront about Parker’s inclusion, stating,
“He’s a big man, he’s been incredibly consistent all year. Obviously got the ankle injury and then came straight back out in great condition, played really well for the Taniwha (Northland). I just like his accuracy. He’s a big man that’s physical but he’s really accurate and he’s intimidating.”
The coach also hinted that Parker's size and style could be pivotal in their strategy against the physicality of the Springboks.The selection has had its casualties, with Crusaders veteran Ethan Blackadder missing out once again, a decision Robertson described as tough. “I talked to Ethan. We’re constantly having conversations with these guys that are right on the peripheral,” he explained, acknowledging the difficulty of such decisions.
Another notable omission was Christian Lio-Willie, despite a commendable debut in the recent series against France. The return of Peter Lakai from injury and Parker’s form made the decision tough but necessary, according to Robertson. “Those conversations are tough because he came off the back of an opportunity of an injury, as mentioned, and he performed,” he said, leaving the door open for future opportunities.
As the All Blacks prepare to face Argentina in their first two matches of the Rugby Championship, all eyes will be on Parker, the rookie whose size and skill have already made him a player to watch. His journey from injury to international stage is not just a testament to his resilience but also a bold statement from Robertson about the dynamic he seeks to enforce within his squad.