He then rolled into the recovery position before visibly shaking, eventually making it to his feet and being carted from the field.
Wallace Sititi was carted off the field after suffering a head knock in the Chiefs’ Super Rugby quarter-final game against the Reds. Photo / Photosport
Sititi was taken to hospital and then ruled out of his side’s 49-12 semi-final victory over the Crusaders and their 60-5 loss to the Hurricanes in the grand final, but was still selected as part of Dave Rennie’s first squad as All Blacks coach.
He came on to the field just before the 55-minute mark against France and had told reporters after a midweek training session he was nervous about returning but probably not as much as his mother was.
“I’m a nervous player and I always get nervous before every game, but definitely before that last weekend,” Sititi said.
“So, I know my mum will be happy to see me get through that game, and it was definitely a good feeling out there as well.”
The 23-year-old said it was a proud moment for him to pull on the black jersey again but his mother wasn’t keen on him returning to the field.
Wallace Sititi came off the bench for the All Blacks against France in Christchurch. Photo / Photosport
“She didn’t want to watch another rugby game in a long time, so I’m just happy to get through that game.
“I know my mum will be relieved, that’s for sure.”
Speaking about the injury, Sititi said there were parts of the evening he couldn’t remember.
“I sort of remember everything that happened right up until then, and then I don’t remember anything after that until coming to at the hospital.
“Obviously it’s pretty scary for myself and my family, I’ve received a lot of love and support, that’s for sure, and I’m just grateful for everyone that reached out.
“We’re all good to go and ready to put that behind us.”
Chiefs and All Blacks teammate Luke Jacobson said after Sititi had been taken to hospital that it had been one of the scariest things he’d seen on a rugby field, something 23-year-old Sititi reflected on.
“We’re a tight group at the Chiefs and I’ve grown really close with Luke as well.
“Just to hear that and to hear how much they care is special.
“Obviously, like I said, it’s just good to have put that behind us and keep moving forward.”
Despite the unsettling experience, Sititi said he’s since been able to watch replays of the game and the incident.
“Scary times and it was a scary moment, but I think a part of moving on is being able to see what happened in the past and leave it back in the air.”
Sititi has played 20 times for the All Blacks and is in contention to start for New Zealand against Italy this weekend in Wellington.