Highlanders back ‘big human’
The Highlanders are fully behind Pari Pari Parkinson as he continues to grow into his huge frame and have warned the rest of Super Rugby Aotearoa that the lock will be a ‘‘weapon’’ when he puts his game together.
Parkinson’s huge potential is hardly a secret in New Zealand rugby but niggling injuries have held him back, while the Highlanders have also alluded to his below-par preparation standards.
However, Highlanders captain Ash Dixon is in no doubt that when the 204-centimetre 23-year-old clicks he will fulfil his huge potential.
‘‘ ‘Baz’ is a big man isn’t he? He’s quite a big human,’’ Dixon said yesterday. ‘‘For us he’s our biggest guy, he’s our big man, so I’m sure if we can impose him physically [against the Chiefs on Saturday] it will make great pay for our backs.
‘‘‘Baz’ didn’t get a lot of game time earlier in the year. He had a few niggles to sort out.
‘‘He’s finally got over those, and he’s raring to go. He just needs a bit of time in the saddle. He could be an absolute weapon, everyone knows that.’’
In glimpses, Parkinson has shown that he offers something that few other young locks in the country can match.
He’s a superb lineout target and when opposition ball carriers hit it up through the middle they can often find themselves being manhandled by the giant.
However, complete Super Rugby performances have been elusive for Parkinson, who has not yet become the dominant figure he could be.
Asked if Parkinson’s size had even been a hindrance as he works out how best to use it, Dixon replied: ‘‘I wouldn’t know because I’m four foot. I don’t really have that challenge.
‘‘[But] I guess it could relate it to a baby giraffe being born.
‘‘He’s just trying to get used to his body, just walking around tripping over his own feet. He doesn’t know how big and how big and how skilful he is.
‘‘But what we’ve given ‘Baz’ ia a bit of belief. A bit of structure around his preparation and his game. He’s come through pretty good. We’re just trying to unleash him . . . You’ve just got to get him ready to go and when he’s ready to go he’s going to be a force.’’
That will please All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who is on the lookout for a big lock to join Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu.
Brodie Retallick will be back on deck next year after a spell in Japan, but with Whitelock on the wrong side of 30 there is clearly an opportunity for a rising lock to be brought into the All Blacks fold in coming years.