'This isn't a charity': Simon Parker's take on RGR opener against Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand flanker Simon Parker expects a Test match-like clash when the All Blacks front the Stormers in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour opener at DHL Stadium on Friday.
Parker addressed the press in a media scrum on Monday in Cape Town following the All Blacks’ first training session of the week in preparation for the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship semifinalists on their tour opener.
South Africa ditched Super Rugby in 2020 before moving north to the then Pro 14 to create the URC, but that doesn’t mean the New Zealanders haven’t kept a close eye on the big four franchises, and the All Blacks are preparing for them as if it is a Test match, according to Parker.
“I wouldn’t say we don’t watch the South African teams,” Parker said.
“Plenty of the boys have an interest in the URC games, especially the last couple of years with some of the boys representing Leinster [Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane].
“It’s a great opportunity for us; we treat every game in an All Blacks jersey as a Test match and one we’re looking to win, so yeah, we’re looking forward to getting out there.”
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Parker last donned the famous Black jersey against Wales in November 2025 for the last of his eight Tests to date after completely missing out on selection during the Nations Championship.
The Chiefs loose forward expressed his joy to be up for selection against the Capetonians, although it is a non-Test match which is his sole focus ahead of the four Test matches later in the series between the All Blacks and Springboks.
“I 100 percent want to be in this team,” the 26-year-old stated.
“As I said, we’re treating every game as a Test match and whoever gets the opportunity to pull on the jersey have a responsibility to go out and perform.
He added: “I’m excited to be chomping it up a bit and get out there.
“This isn’t a charity so it’s not like everyone deserves a crack, so you just got to prepare accordingly to your role, which I’m looking forward to.”
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Looking ahead at the Sharks, Bulls and Lions, Parker said that the team haven’t had an extensive look at those sides and how they compare to the Capetonians.
“We haven’t had much of a look at the other franchises, so I can’t give much of an opinion on how they compare to the Stormers.
“They’ve got a big pack and have great backs as well, so it will be a great test for us first thing up.”
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