Watch VideoAll Blacks flank Simon Parker gives prediction ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry

All Blacks flank Simon Parker is tackled by South Africa Ethan Hooker and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during the 2025 Rugby Championship. As theAll Blacks prepare to reignite rugby’s greatest rivalry on South African soil, loose forward Simon Parker believes the outcome of the tour will hinge less on tactics than on desire and physicality. The Chiefs flank, who is set to feature in Friday night’s tour opener against the Stormers, said the series will ultimately be decided by the side willing to dig deepest when the pressure is at its greatest.

“I think it will come down to certain things,” Parker said. “At the end of the day, it’s the team that shows up and wants it more. “Sure, there will be plenty of tactical battles, but ultimately it’s about the team that wants it the most.” Parker, who last played for New Zealand against Wales in November, said matching South Africa’s renowned physicality would also be non-negotiable.

“Yeah, 100 percent, physicality is vital,” he said. “That’s part of the South African DNA, so it’s a battle we’re looking forward to.” The 26-year-old also rejected any suggestion that the side selected to face the Stormers should be viewed as an All Blacks “B” team or “dirt-trackers”. “It’s a great opportunity for us,” Parker said.

[paywall]

“We treat every game in the All Blacks jersey as a Test match, and we go out to win, so we’re really looking forward to getting out there.” Like many in the touring squad, Parker never had the opportunity to play against South African franchises in Super Rugby before the Covid pandemic led to the country’s teams joining northern-hemisphere competitions. However, he insisted the All Blacks have continued to follow South African rugby closely.

[/paywall]