He thought Team Cricket would come out on top at the Black Clash, however.
“I think they’ve had a bit more experience.
“I’ve seen a lot of the rugby players get hurt bashing into each other trying to get the ball.”
Team Cricket tops the Black Clash leaderboard with five wins compared to Team Rugby’s two victories in the annual showdown.
All Blacks legend Kieran Read captains Team Rugby and former Black Caps bowler Nathan McCullum heads Team Cricket.
Black Clash players and MPs visiting some of the patients in Tauranga Hospital’s children’s ward. Photo / Bijou Johnson
Former Wales rugby player Hadleigh Parkes was a late addition to Team Cricket this week, previously announced as a Team Rugby player.
He was swapped with former Black Caps bowler Tim Southee.
“I only found out a week ago,” said Parkes, who had been hurriedly brushing up on his bowling skills.
He said he grew up watching a lot of Team Cricket’s players, so it was cool to join their team.
Being a rugby player by trade, playing for Team Cricket “takes a bit of pressure off”.
“It’s just awesome to be involved,” Parkes said.
Team Cricket’s Grant Elliott (left) and William Waiirua (centre) chatted to twin brothers Daniel and Aiden and their mum at Tauranga Hospital, with Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell (right). Photo / Bijou Johnson
Team Cricket’s wildcard player, entertainer William Waiirua, said he convinced a couple of the kids to support Team Cricket.
“I used to watch all the players on TV, so to be able to rub shoulders with the big guns is pretty good.”
He planned on talking a big game.
“I’ve been practising nearly every day.”
Other changes to the team lists for Saturday’s match include former Team Cricket captain Dan Vettori withdrawing, and Team Rugby’s Shane Watson and Ruben Love stepping out because of injuries.
Team Rugby’s Colin Slade and Kieran Read celebrating a wicket at the 2025 Black Clash. Photo / Photosport
Tickets were 90% sold. Ticket information can be found at blackclash.co.nz.
The Bay Oval has had a busy summer packed with cricket.
A three-match T20 series against Australia kicked the season off in October, followed by an ODI against England and a test against the West Indies.
A South Africa double-header with the Black Caps and White Ferns is still to come in March.
2026 Black Clash confirmed players
TEAM CRICKET
Nathan McCullum (captain), Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills, Adam Parore, Lou Vincent, Hadleigh Parkes, Neil Wagner, Hamish Marshall, Jesse Ryder, Neil Broom, William Waiirua.
TEAM RUGBY
Kieran Read (captain), David Hill, Jordie Barrett, Kaylum Boshier, Joey Wheeler, Payton Spencer, Andy Ellis, Jason Spice, Colin Slade, Ofisa Tonu’u, Tim Southee, Mike Hussey.
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.