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'They're just 15 blokes' - former England lock urges teams to stop respecting All Blacks

January 11, 2019
Coach Eddie Jones said that the haka was as important as the Spice Girls.

The All Blacks' awe of intimidation appears to have no effect on former England lock turned Melbourne Rebels forwards coach Geoff Parling, preparing for his first taste of Super Rugby.

Parling, 35, was a member of the England side that last tasted success against Steve Hansen's All Blacks, coming away a winner in the 2012 clash at Twickenham that finished 38-21 in the host's favour.

Since ending his playing career, Parling has quickly transitioned into a coach, now charged with aiding the Rebels' forwards, with particular emphasis on the lineout.

Speaking to Stuff though, the 29-Test lock questioned why the back-to-back World Cup winners are shown so much respect by their opposition.

"I've always been frustrated in the past, maybe not just the northern hemisphere teams but anyone playing New Zealand," Parling says.

"You have to respect them but Ireland have certainly shown they're just 15 blokes on the pitch.

"They're very good rugby playing blokes but it's still just 15 blokes."

Parling also says that England will be right in the mix come this year's World Cup in Japan, backing Eddie Jones' side to recover from their disastrous 2015 campaign.

"England are always going to be there or thereabouts."

"I think that when you get to the World Cup there will be some players that will have some hurt from the last one.

"They're going to be good."

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