Munster boss McMillan 'was massive' for All Blacks new boy Parker 

Simon Parker of New Zealand on attack. Pic: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Scott Robertson and New Zealand crossed the equator for autumn duty on a wave of much-need positivity after back-to-back victories over the Wallabies. If their rollercoaster Rugby Championship results didn’t look like the All Blacks on paper, there was a fresher appearance in the flesh too.

Among those brought north for a tilt at a Grand Slam against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, there is a flock of newer faces. 

Fully 12 of the 36 players have less than 10 caps to their name as the development of a team for the Rugby World Cup in two years’ time sits somewhere midstream.

Simon Parker is one of the newer comers. 

The Chiefs flanker is a physical specimen who has shown an ability to use his size and power to blunt that of others. 

Having made his debut this summer he has started the last four Tests on New Zealand's blindside. Saturday’s showdown at Soldier Field will bring another first for Parker’s 2025 — a meeting with Ireland. He’s been doing his homework.

“[I have] just a huge respect for Ireland. They’ve been a great team for a number of years now, so it's going to be a great battle and one we're looking forward to to kick off our northern tour,” Parker said before the All Blacks trained in central Chicago on Tuesday.

“They’ve got impact right across, you know. They’ve got boys that can do it in the tough stuff and guys who are brick walls and then they've got people on the outside that can, offload and play with a bit of a flair. Great set-piece, so that's obviously a focus for us, getting our set piece right.

“We certainly haven't forgotten what happened in 2016, but it's an awesome opportunity to have a crack at a Grand Slam. There's not many teams in history that have had a chance to get that, but ultimately, we're just focused on this week and have huge respect for Ireland.

“Obviously it's a different experience not playing at one team’s home ground, but these two teams have been going at it for years and I don't think that will ever change. Whatever team shows up on the day will get the treats. So it's just about getting our stuff right.” 

At 25, Parker’s something of a late bloomer in a hulking 6’6”, 18.5 stone body. Injuries and form slowed his breakthrough but a recent arrival to Ireland played a significant role in getting him to the elite level — Munster coach Clayton McMillan.

“He was massive for me,” said Parker. “I had him for most of my Super career and had him as an age grade selector as well. So I learned a lot from him and the thing I love about him is just getting down to basics, doesn't worry too much about, you know, flash stuff. It's just all about mindset and getting the basics right.” 

All Blacks defence coach Tamati Ellison was on hand to double down on the basics. Well acquainted with Ireland’s Kiwi-born and bred attack coach Andrew Goodman, Ellison is expecting Andy Farrell’s team to shake off rust in a hurry and find their autumn rhythm on Saturday.

“The short pass game,” Ellison pointed to as a threat. "They’ll swing and overload edges with their skill sets. They trust their game, and they'll kick well on edges and out of hand too.

“They'll be prepped well. Andrew Goodman as I mentioned, he's a good coach. If he does his homework, he'll have some specials in some areas where he feels like there's weakness. So, we'll make sure our structures are really strong.” 

Asked about the likelihood of the in-form Jack Crowley starting over Sam Prendergast, Ellison smiled and apparently started reviewing his plans for Tuesday’s session.

“Is that what you heard? That'll be good for us, so that we can structure training,” he said. “We're accounting for both, obviously. We look at who all the potential selections may be, and you have to have a strategy for both and be able to adjust if things change. Thanks for the information.”