Wallace Sititi played as a blindside flanker for the All Blacks during his debut Rugby Championship and came into his own on the international stage after seizing his opportunity in the number 6 jersey with both hands.
Sititi, who turned 22 just three weeks ago, established himself as not only the best loose forward in the New Zealand side, but the best loose forward of the entire tournament, going toe-to-toe with some of South Africa’s best players. Australia after being promoted to the starting XV.
His initial selection in the first All Blacks squad of the year came as a surprise to many. The loose forward unit in particular was probably the most competitive of all the selection calls after a tremendous Super Rugby Pacific season for each of the back rows of the five New Zealand teams. .
Sam Cane after completing his 100th Test for the All Blacks and TJ Perenara after his final home game | After the All Blacks match
Sam Cane after completing his 100th Test for the All Blacks and TJ Perenara after his final home game | After the All Blacks match
The 2024 season MVP will be Blues no. 8 It was Hoskins Sotutu. He was the most shocking omission from the first All Blacks squad, putting even more emphasis and scrutiny on the inclusion of his Chiefs counterpart Sititi.
With a brief introduction to professional rugby, it was easy to see the Samoa-born budding Super Rugby star as a project player. But Sititi’s appearance in the black jersey showed he’s not waiting to unleash his world-class potential, he’s living it. .
“We knew he was special, we knew he had the ability to read the game, but more importantly we trusted his skills,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said. breakdown.
“That person is someone who can go… You don’t know what he’s going to do, right? But the trust in his heart is truly evident. The game slows down for him. He knows it. But his physicality, how strong and humble he is, he is a beautiful combination.
“We have to make sure he is prepared, keep his form going, get his week right and look after him.”
Siti’s blind-side selection to the side, wearing only the number 8 shirt with Chiefs, was also surprising, making his debut against the world champions in Cape Town even more difficult.
Fans are wondering whether a move to number 8 will be possible if Citi’s form continues. Asked where he sees his young star playing in the future, Robertson smiled and replied: “Somewhere at loose forward.”
“The good thing is he can play eight, he can play six and he’s even played a little bit in seven before, so he’ll be in the mix.”
player carrying
1
wallis street
25
2
harry wilson
19
3
will jordan
15
Ardie Savea, who now joins Sititi and is the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, is part of the starting loose forward trio, while former All Blacks captain Sam Cane is in his final year with the team before starting a new long-term contract in Japan.
Kane’s days in the black jersey have left some questioning whether his selection in the upcoming Northern Tour squad was a missed opportunity to introduce more young talent to the All Blacks environment, potentially at the expense of another promising youngster like Peter Lakai. Yes. .
Robertson did not reveal his position on the controversy but said he and his fellow selectors would discuss it when selecting their squad.
“We’ll find out on October 7,” he said. “He (Kane) has done an amazing job. I can’t underestimate what he did. Letting him play in 100 games wasn’t a sentimental decision, he played to get there.
“Look, we’re going to have a few conversations over the next week about what’s best for the All Blacks.”
