Stormers clash key to Sititi's All Black Test hopes
SPOTLIGHT: All Black loose forward Wallace Sititi will look to use the clash against the Stormers to push himself back into Test selection following a frustrating start to the 2026 international season.
The 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year winner suffered a dip in form during the 2026 Super Rugby and Test season. He also missed out on selection for the All Blacks’ third Nations Championship Test after subpar performances against France and Italy.
The 23-year-old Chiefs flanker, however, have been entrusted by Dave Rennie to tour South Africa on the Greatest Rivalry series, which includes four Tests and four midweek games against the United Rugby Championship franchises.
Sititi admitted that a lot of water has passed since his breakout season two years ago and that he’ll do everything in his power to get back into the Test side, starting with the Stormers on August 7 at DHL Stadium.
“Two years feels like a long time ago. What I do know is we made some very good memories in Cape Town; we love it out here,” Sititi told reporters at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
“As a player, I feel that I’ve grown a lot. I’ve been through some adversity and a few injuries, but that’s the game of footy.
“It’s about the journey that got me here, and now I’m just looking forward to playing against the Stormers.”
Sititi added that he knows that he’ll have to be at his absolute best to earn Test selection given the quality of loose forwards in the New Zealand squad.
“The All Blacks is a high-performance environment that expects the best.
“If you don’t perform at your best, they’ll get someone in your place. There’s a lot of quality out here.
“Obviously it’s tough [missing out on selection], but we support and look after each other.
“I’m just trying to enjoy my game and bring my best – that’s my focus right now.”
Touching on the Stormers, Sititi highlighted the threats posed by John Dobson’s team and how the All Blacks plan to counter the 2025/26 URC semifinalists.
“They’ve got a big pack with forwards who can run the ball and are good in the collision battle, so we’ve got to respect them up there.
“They love to use the ball as well, so we’ve got to match them up front and use the ball on our side as well and give our backs out wide opportunities to attack as well.”
It will be his first match on South African soil should he be selected 🇳🇿🇿🇦
Link to the story: https://t.co/dn3NiXEiwd
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— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) August 3, 2026
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