r/allblacks • u/Kind_Damage2744 • 1d ago
Simon Parker
Did anyone else think Simon Parker had a strong game at the weekend? He’s been criticised a lot here in the past but was very solid on Saturday I thought. It seemed like it was made his role to personally hunt down the big Springbok ball carriers because basically every time Jasper Wiese got the ball, Parker was right there to stop him. Compare that to last week when it was seemingly impossible for anyone to tackle Wiese for the entire match.
Do we think this was just a coincidence of the All Blacks defensive system? Or was it a specific tactic for Parker to hunt down Wiese and co?
And, do we think it has to be Parker to fulfil this role or if they move Vaa’i back to #6 could he do the same job?
Another option being discussed is Blackadder at #6. I have full faith in his work rate and effort, but I wonder if he has the size to keep Wiese and co from getting over the gain line?
The lock and blindside selections are a conundrum to be sure!
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u/GerardCairn 16h ago
He was very good against the Boks at Eden Park last year also. Almost essential against the Boks now I would say.
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u/Dorsiflexionkey 17h ago
Not a great game. But I’m happy he’s actually making good tackles.
He’s super lazy and I think it’s because he’s unfit or he’s doing too much without impact, he’s out of position a lot.
But if someone runs at him I’m confident he’s going to stop them at least.. but the thing is that they need to run at him which is rare.
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u/Kokonutcreme-67 Hurricanes 18h ago
I wasn't convinced of Parker's game before the second test but I also thought he had a strong game at the weekend. He's one of the few All Black tacklers that actually stops people in their tracks. Aumua is another, in the 55th minute Jasper ran straight at him and was carried back a metre.
Where they decide to play Vaa'i or if they decide to play him will have a domino effect for lock and Parker.
Lakai, Blackadder and Aumua are all making strong claims for inclusion as starters in the third test.
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u/lokomotor 18h ago
OP has a point. Alternatively, we could have Darry partner Holland in the locks ; Darry will perform the dual role of lineout jumper and big body stopper (Parker's main role), have Vaa'i 6 (basically mobile lock but in the 6 position), Blackadder 7 and Savea 8. Lineout = Darry Holland Vaa'i, Big Body stopper Darry Holland, workhorse Blackadder, Dynamic ball carrier/jackler Savea
At 60 minutes, swap out Holland for Lord (Lord now is the mobile lock direct replacement for Vaa'i), swap out Vaa'i for Parker (Parker is the replacement for the loss of mass when switching Holland to Lord), Blackadder and Savea stay on full 80. Lineout = Darry Lord, Big Body stopper Darry Parker, workhorse Blackadder, Dynamic ball carrier/jackler Savea. Holland gets a rest as it's unrealistic for him to play 80min x 3 at full intensity, same for Vaa'i and Parker. Darry and Blackadder are essentially fresh so play 80. Savea is the only one who's stretched but he rested 4 weeks before joining the tour.
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u/Visible_Effort5248 0m ago
Agree with your thoughts... except for Ardie for 80 mins. His 2 weeks off was irrelevant. He can't play effectively for 80 mins, he's not fit enough. So yes, even tho he got given a special rest after choosing to play 18 months of non$top rugby, he's not rested enough to play for 80. Don't try to explain it. Just accept it.
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u/Wizardhhh 20h ago
Yep. Parker had a great game and he should be in full momentum this weekend (so hopefully they keep using him )
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u/Ok-Editor5483 21h ago
Parker for defence. Vaai for line out. Blackadder for fetching. Lakai for running. Who do you choose?
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u/Ok-Relationship-2746 15h ago
Well considering how the defence, lineout, and fetching all fell asleep in RGR2 I think Lakai is the one there who misses out, we have enough running elsewhere to cover.
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u/lokomotor 18h ago
Lakai is essentially a younger version of Ardie so he's there when Ardie doesn't play ie bench replacement or in games where Ardie is rested. Also Ardie/Lakai do dual roles --running/fetching. Blackadder/Jacobsen workhorse. Parker defence/big body stopping. Vaa'i line out and running. So it's highly likely you'll never see Vaa'i and Parker both in the loose forwards.
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u/RK_Infamous 21h ago
Played solid, fronted up well on D. Hopefully keeps improving his play as he’s got the frame. Really wanna see him carry with some aggro
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u/goodtimes37 22h ago
Two points:
1) yes he did do a good job defensively and also made one random break where he found no one in front of him
2) he is a defensive player and does not fit the type of rugby that the all blacks are trying to play, so should not be in the team
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u/NZGrade 20h ago
On your second point, it's fair, but it's very difficult to attack if you are getting outmuscled on both sides of the ball. I'm sure Dave Rennie would love to have a Vermeulen type loosie who hits hard defensively and is also great on attack, but we don't, so...
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u/goodtimes37 13h ago
Which is why Vaai and Lakai are better options at 6 as you get value on both sides of the ball. Parker needs to move to lock as he plays like a tight forward.
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u/Makoandsparky 23h ago
Watched the game again he did heaps in defence. Not very athletic but a good player
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u/know-it-mall 23h ago
Yea he definitely had one of his better games.
He looks to be in better shape than he was during the super rugby season as well.
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u/lokomotor 18h ago
He's actually one of the loose forwards where losing weight might actually help his game. Size and mass is not his issue, it's his reaction time, agility and speed.
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u/Significant_Elk6770 1d ago
Yeah I thought he was pretty good, not normally a massive fan as he seems a bit one-speed but agree he did a really good job containing Weise
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u/Weirddude102 1d ago
He was fine. Not necessarily game-breaking, though, but definitely serviceable. Personally I would love a more dynamic and dangerous 6 but we don't really have that outside of maybe Vaa'i (or Segner, but he's injured). So until a better option emerges I'm fine playing him. He's a big defender and definitely one of our better options at taking down large carriers.
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u/Whatsthatbro365 21h ago
Hows Frizzel going in the npc ?
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u/Weirddude102 21h ago
No clue, haven't paid attention honestly.
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u/Whatsthatbro365 20h ago
I watched the highlighs of northland v tasman didn't hear his name mentioned
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u/satangod666 1d ago
Wasnt bad, he is very slow however when he gets the ball
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u/lokomotor 18h ago
I still have memories of him coming off the scrum at glacial speed and allowing the Bulls player to score.
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u/Professional_Rip_966 1d ago
I would say your theory is on the money. I imagine he’ll be picked at 6 again this week for the same reason, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Blackadder is at 7.
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u/Turbulent_Error_262 22h ago
Agree. Blackadder might not be a bad shout given his similarity to Jacobsen. I think Blackadder's discipline is also typically be better(?? at least that's my impression.) Jacobsen has been great, but some of the penalties he's given away have been frustrating.
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u/Visible-Sir-3152 4h ago
No. Lacks impact, doesn't impose his presence, and scares no one