Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Parkes makes Dragons debut ..on his first day as a Welshman
KIWI-BORN HADLEIGH SET TO FACE BOKS AFTER THREE YEARS AT SCARLETS
HADLEIGH PARKES starts for Wales against South Africa this afternoon on the day he officially qualifies for his adopted country.
The New Zealand-born centre, who plays his domestic rugby for the Scarlets, has now completed the necessary three-year residency to play for Warren Gatland’s side.
And the 30-year-old hopes to complete his remarkable journey from Kiwi sheep farmer to international star with victory over the Springboks.
“Some people probably have a bit to say about my qualification, but it is a huge opportunity and a privilege to be able to represent the Welsh people,” said Parkes.
“It is extremely humbling. I am a farm boy from New Zealand and I was docking sheep for the last couple of weeks before I came to Wales. It has all worked out well.
“The farm I was working on is owned by my family. It’s in Hunterville and my two brothers work there. There’ll be watching back at home with an early morning breakfast, it will be about three o’clock in the morning.”
Parkes has been a consistent performer in Welsh rugby and partners his Scarlets team-mate Scott Williams in midfield today.
Gatland (above) knows his men must end their autumn campaign with a victory following defeats by Australia and New Zealand.
Parkes fills the No.12 jersey outside Dan Biggar, taking over from Gloucester’s Owen Williams.
“It has been an interesting couple of weeks training, but now it’s awesome just being involved,” he said.
“I’ve been having a few lessons from Rhys Patchell on the anthem. He has been helping out. He thinks I’m pretty good, so hopefully the memory doesn’t fade on me.
“He has sung it a couple of times for me and I’ve recorded him, so hopefully he hasn’t stitched me up!”
Wales have won their last two home games against South Africa.
Parkes said: “I spent a great 10 months living in Port Elizabeth. South Africa are a big, physical bunch. They like tackling and running into people, I can tell you that.”