SPOTLIGHT: Wallace Sititi will have some big shoes to fill when he runs out in the No.6 jersey against the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
It will be the 21-year-old’s first start for the All Blacks as he replaces Ethan Blackadder, who has a hamstring injury.
Sititi was primarily used as a No.8 by the Chiefs in Super Rugby, but he now finds himself at blindside flank on the biggest stage.
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“He is a helluva athlete and built for these sorts of games,” said All Black head coach Scott Robertson.
“He is a great defender and he has a great skillset.
“We have been impressed with him in the last month and with Ethan’s injury, he now gets his time.”
Sititi revealed that he received a clear message from Razor on what he needs to bring to the table on Saturday.
“Just that physicality – both on attack and defence. I will try and bring that on the weekend,” he said.
He added: “The big one is being able to play for the full 80 minutes and being able to keep that level high.
“We all know it’s a physical game and we expect that again this week.
“Hopefully, I bring a bit of physicality this week.”
Sititi also received some advice from the man he is replacing.
“He [Blackadder] has been very helpful throughout the campaign,” said Sititi.
“It [the selection]has come at a bit of an unfortunate circumstance, but he has been giving me a few tips, but I will keep that to myself.”
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