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.

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Waikato Chiefs flanker 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.

Parker will join a strong band of loose forwards with Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Sititi, Peter Lakai and Luke Jacobson.

“He's a big man, he’s been incredibly consistent all year,” Robertson said of Parker at a press conference.

“He's physical but he's really accurate. He’s intimidating.”