Highlanders giant has ABs potential
The Highlanders are preparing to unleash 128kg, 204cm lock Pari Pari Parkinson in Super Rugby as part of a beefed-up tight five that will see All Black Jackson Hemopo spend more time on the side of the scrum.
Parkinson, new All Black tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax and
130kg-plus Waikato recruit Josh Iosefa-Scott will all give the Highlanders some serious size this year after forwards coach Mark Hammett conceded the pack was ‘‘leaned on’’ at times last year.
‘‘I get a sore neck looking at him,’’ Hammett said of Parkinson. ‘‘I believe his weight as of a couple of days ago was
128kg. He’s a big man but he’s very athletic. He’s a really gifted athlete, particularly at lineout time, and the limbs are long as well. He’s one to watch.’’
Hammett also revealed that loosehead prop Daniel LienertBrown has added 4kg to his frame during the pre-season as the Highlanders aim to muscle up.
But it’s Parkinson’s massive potential that is causing some genuine excitement in the deep south. The 22-year-old got a taste of Super Rugby last year and toured with NZ Maori after a strong Mitre 10 Cup with Tasman.
Hammett said he also had an abrasive edge to match his physical gifts. ‘‘That’s Pari’s X factor,’’ Hammett said.
● Meanwhile Atu Moli will return to his roots for his next provincial rugby campaign.
The former Marlborough Boys’ High School standout will shift from Waikato to Tasman for this year’s Mitre 10 Cup.
Moli has not played since the Chiefs’ opening round match of last season’s Super Rugby campaign.
A mysterious heavy knock to Moli’s left quad led to multiple surgeries at Waikato Hospital after he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome and a haematoma.
He is back in training now with the Chiefs and in line for selection.
He has played one game for the All Blacks, although it was not classified as a test as it was against a French XV in 2017. He also played against the All Blacks for the Barbarians on that tour.