In the opening match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, the 22-year-old blindsided performance showcased a versatility and power that only served to heighten comparisons that have already been made to his teammate, the great Ardie Savea. Going into the match, even veteran teammates had noted Sititi's game-changing potential, and much has been made of the fact that he was playing club rugby in Auckland a little over a year ago.
In a game that demanded a fierce workrate, with England looking on course for a famous home win against the All Blacks to go with the last one in 2012, Sititi delivered across the board. He made an impressive 16 carries - more than any All Black and second only to England’s standout, Ben Earl, who made 17. These carries were explosive, too: Sititi racked up a remarkable 141 metres, 33 more than England’s fantastic winger, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. His relentless forward motion didn’t just gain ground but disrupted England’s structure. With nine tackles, he was also the third-most successful tackler for New Zealand, proving his worth on both sides of the ball.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s decision to play Sititi in such a high-stakes match was clearly a calculated move, and his foresight looks increasingly prescient. Sititi has been lauded as a future mainstay in the All Blacks' loose forward mix, with his skill-set making him capable of covering blindside flanker, No. 8, and even openside if needed. His unique style blends athleticism and rugby IQ, traits that Robertson has praised publicly, even hinting at Sititi’s long-term potential as a hybrid forward who could redefine New Zealand’s back row.
Sititi’s rapid ascent from Super Rugby to the Test arena has unsurprsingly caught the attention of fellow All Blacks star Savea, who sees in Sititi a younger version of himself. Savea has spoken about Sititi’s instinctive reading of the game and relentless work ethic. "He’s been amazing coming into this environment," said Savea before Saturday's match. "He’s found what works for him and he’s playing great footy and that’s a testament to himself and his preparation and the levelheadedness, the calmness he has." This compliment is not without basis: Sititi’s performances in Super Rugby for the Chiefs highlighted his raw power and versatility, often dominating the breakdown and showing a fearless approach to ball-carrying that resembles the 2023 World Player of the Year Savea’s own style.
This Player of the Match accolade adds another layer to Sititi’s impressive rugby journey, which has roots going back to his school days as captain of the first XV at Auckland's De La Salle College - whose alumni include Sir John Kirwan and Isaia Toeava - where his promise was unmistakable. With some huge Test matches to come this Autumn Nations Series - not least against Ireland and France, all live on TNT Sports - Sititi looks set not only to add depth to New Zealand’s loose forwards but also to carve his place as one of rugby’s next big names.
For now, his game-breaking skills have brought a fresh edge to the All Blacks - a potent reminder to the world of New Zealand’s talent pipeline.
