PARKES WOULD LOVE TO DELIVER SUZY A PERFECT GIFT

Hadleigh Parkes and his wife, Suzy, are set to become proud parents next month – and the Webb Ellis Cup would be a perfect gift for their new arrival.

Suzy is due to give birth around November 18, just over two weeks after the World Cup final.

And with Wales two wins away from securing a place in that showpiece occasion, it could prove a fantastic fortnight for New Zealand-born Parkes and his family.

“We are both very excited,” Wales centre Parkes said. “She is going well. We are very lucky with the support base we have in Cardiff and around Wales.

“The baby is due around November 18, and they say with your first one it’s normally a bit late, but you never know.”

And asked about the possibility of a World Cup welcome present, he added: “That would be nice!”

Since qualifying for Wales on residency and making a Test debut in December 2017, Parkes has proved a midfield model of consistency.

He has played in 22 of Wales’ last 26 games and been on the losing side just four times.

Parkes, 32, only arrived in Wales five years ago, joining the Scarlets and quickly carving out a strong reputation.

“You do have to pinch yourself a little bit,” he said. “It has been an amazing few years. To be here, playing in a World Cup quarterfinal against France, it’s exciting and a massive privilege.

“It has been superb. With how it came about five years ago I would certainly never have dreamt that this would be on the cards, but it has worked out pretty well.

“I’ve had some amazing experiences, and it has been a dream.”

Parkes, though, knows the danger that France will present in Oita today.

“Everyone knows what’s on the line this weekend,” he said. “We either fly to Tokyo or we are flying back to Wales on Monday.

“We hugely respect them, they are a good side and it’s always a tough game.

“Now, it’s knockout footy, and if we don’t show up on Sunday we are packing our bags and going home. The boys are relaxed, but deep down we are chomping at the bit to get into it.”