15 blokes.

Former England and Lions second-row says Ireland’s 16-9 win over world champions New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium back in November has shown the All Blacks are “just 15 blokes on the pitch”.

Parling, who recently moved into coaching with Australian Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels, says he’s been frustrated in the past about the way the press speaks about New Zealand.

“I’ve always been frustrated in the past, maybe not just the northern hemisphere teams but anyone playing New Zealand,” Parling told Stuff.

“The way they get spoken about in the press after the games.

“You get beaten off them, well that’s not good enough, because you’ve lost an international game regardless of how good they are.”

The 2013 British and Irish Lions tourist says you have to respect them, but at the end of the day “it’s still just 15 blokes.”

“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.”