Loose forward Simon Parker says the All Blacks are approaching Friday's tour opener against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium with the same intensity they would a Test match, as New Zealand embark on their first full-length South Africa tour in 30 years.
The eight-match, six-week tour includes four matches against franchise sides and four Tests against the Springboks, the last of which is scheduled for the United States.
"We're treating every game as if it were a Test match," Parker said on Monday. "Whoever gets to pull the jersey on has a responsibility to go out there and perform."
Parker, 26, who made his Test debut last year and has eight caps, acknowledged the physical challenge that awaits against South African opposition. "That's no surprise playing against South Africans; that's what they are, that's part of their DNA, so it's a battle we're looking forward to."
With South African franchises having been absent from Super Rugby since 2020, a significant portion of the touring squad has no prior experience of playing against the provinces. Parker noted that teammates who did have that experience spoke fondly of the tours. "The Stormers have a big pack and great backs as well, so it'll be a great test for us first up," he said.