All Blacks back-row sensation Wallace Sititi is back to full fitness and raring to go when they take on Argentina in their Rugby Championship rematch in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The Chiefs stalwart was a surprise inclusion in All Blacks boss Scott Robertson’s first squad when he took over the coaching reins from Ian Foster ahead of last year’s mid-year Tests.
There were some eyebrows raised at Sititi‘s selection, particularly as it came at the expense of Blues number eight Hoskins Sotutu, who was one of the Auckland-based outfit’s best performers during their triumphant 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Sititi made his All Blacks debut off the replacements bench in their victory over Fiji in San Diego last July but was soon in the three-time world champions’ first choice starting line-up after injuries to more established loose forwards in Robertson’s squad.
Shone for the All Blacks
That meant he was playing alongside All Blacks back-row stars like Ardie Savea and Sam Cane and he caught the eye with several outstanding performances.
His efforts were rewarded when he was named as World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year at the end of 2024.
Since then his progress has been hampered by respective knee and ankle injuries which has seen him missing the bulk of the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific campaign as well as the All Blacks’ three-Test series with France and their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Cordoba last week.
However, Sititi is fit again and set to return to action when New Zealand and Los Pumas meet again in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
And despite his impressive performances at Test level in 2024, he is aiming to be even better this year which will be an ominous warning to the All Blacks’ opponents.
“I’m not looking to repeat what I did last year I’m trying to redefine and put on better performances,” Sititi told the New Zealand Herald.
And few would bet against him achieving that goal as he certainly showed plenty of promise during his fledgling international career as he combined great physicality with great footwork and deft some skillful touches.
Despite his recent injuries, he is now fully focused on continuing with the upward trajectory in the international arena.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a year,” said the 22-year-old. “It started off with the knee and then rolling into the ankle injury.
‘I try to use it as opportunities to grow my game’
“You could call it setbacks or, for me, I try to use it as opportunities to grow my game, work on my body.
“It allows me to take a step back. After last year it allowed me to reflect, work on things and when I do get the chance it’s back to enjoying it and playing better than I was last year.”
Although there has been lots of fanfare over him due to his excellent form for the All Blacks and the Chiefs, Sititi has not let the hype go to his head.
“It was a crazy ride. Being in the environment was crazy enough and then to play a few games, put in a few decent performances, I was really enjoying my footy,” he said.
“Yes, there’s pressure but the most pressure I feel is from myself. I’m someone that’s hard on myself; my performances and the way I live life. If you’re not getting pressure you’re not in the right spot.
“I look at pressure as a privilege but the main thing is trying to enjoy playing rugby.
“I think we all struggle with that at times but my mum gives me a good reminder here and there. She says ‘be humble son, put your feet on the ground’ and my faith brings me back down to earth too.
“Everything flowed quickly last year but that can all be taken away just as quick. It’s understanding that aspect, enjoying what you do, and reflecting every time you get the chance.”