Loose forward Parker earns All Blacks call-up for Rugby Championship
Loose forward Simon Parker earned his first call-up to the All Blacks squad on Monday, while Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi returned to the fold for the Rugby Championship after missing the July series against France because of injury.
Parker was the only uncapped player selected by coach Scott Robertson in the 36-man squad, although rookie prop Tevita Mafileo, scrumhalf Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter were named as injury cover for the trip to Argentina.
"Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with," Robertson said in a news release.
"He has the ability to play blindside or number eight and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up."
Parker will join a strong band of loose forwards with Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Sititi, Peter Lakai and Luke Jacobson.
Finlay Christie was named as injury cover at scrumhalf in the wake of the news that Cam Roigard, who started two of the three tests against France in July, will be sidelined for a while by a stress fracture in his right foot.
Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi, centre Asafo Aumua and outside back Stephen Perofeta were unavailable for selection because of injury.
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"While we are clearly disappointed for our men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter," Robertson added.
"These players have earned the opportunity through consistent performance, and we know that they will take this chance. We are excited about what they will bring to the squad.
The All Blacks play the Pumas in Cordoba on August 16 and again in Buenos Aires a week later to kick off their bid to wrest back the Rugby Championship title from South Africa.
"We have some massively exciting and challenging games ahead of us and we are looking forward to reassembling and getting to work, starting with two tests against a very strong Los Pumas side," Robertson added.
Squad:
Forwards - Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie McAlister, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
Backs - Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Ruben Love REUTERS
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