Sititi siblings poised to make Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry history in Soweto

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has been defined by its fierce battles on the field, but there have also been some compelling human-interest stories surrounding the series.

From a New Zealand perspective, the All Blacks have captured plenty of attention with their community outreach programmes, engagements with supporters and creative social media content.

This week, however, the Kiwis will add another remarkable chapter to the rivalry.

For the first time in 28 years, siblings will represent the All Blacks and Black Ferns against South African opposition on the same day.

Wallace Sititi and his sister, Amarante, will both run out for New Zealand after being selected to face the Springboks and Springbok Women, respectively, at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

The siblings, who hail from a rich rugby background, will both wear the number 20 jersey, joining the elite siblings club of Annaleah and Xavier Rush, who played for New Zealand on the same day in 1998.

“It’s extremely special; it’s special just being in this All Blacks team, and to have my little sister next to me is extra special,” Wallace told reporters at the Adidas and Atlas Foundation community event.

“The old man [father] landed last night [Thursday], so he’ll be pretty happy and excited.

“I have to mention our family back in Samoa; they prayed for us, their prayers are the ones that got us here.”

Amarante, who is only 19, has enjoyed a remarkable first season of professional rugby.

The versatile lock and loose forward plays for the Blues in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

She made her international debut last month against Australia in Auckland. The Black Ferns ran out 62-19 winners on the day, with Amarante scoring a try after coming off the bench in the second half.

She’s been touted as the next big thing after graduating from Auckland Girls’ Grammar School in 2025.

“Representing this country is a privilege, but doing it alongside my brother is something special,” she added.

“It’s something I will just always hold dear to my heart.

“I don’t think I’ve told him yet, but he’s a big inspiration for me, just like my dad.”

Wallace recalls a conversation he had with Amarante just two years ago, when she made it clear she wanted to pursue rugby professionally.

“She played a lot of sports growing up.

“In her last two years of school, she really took it seriously, and I remember vividly a conversation we had one day after I picked her up from school. She said she wants to do this professionally.

“She has worked pretty hard, and I’m just extremely proud of her.”

Their father, Semo Sititi, who captained Manu Samoa, will be in the stands on Saturday and has already given Amarante some advice.

“He said just to play my game and be myself; I think that’s his advice for me in every game. He wants me to just be myself and not get pressured by any outside noise.”

Shifting his attention to the Boks, Wallace said he was pleased to be back in the matchday 23 and has a point to prove.

His last outing against the world champions came in 2025, when the All Blacks suffered a humiliating 10-43 defeat in Wellington.

The 23-year-old is adamant New Zealand are determined to topple the Boks on home soil.

“Whenever I’m out there, there’s always a point to prove.

“The way we play rugby, we have a chip on our shoulders, and we go out there, and we have some fun and try to have an impact on the game.

“That’s always the mindset, and hopefully it will be a better night out than what we saw in Wellington.”