Scott Robertson outlines ‘humble’ Wallace Sititi Test future with potential position outlined

Louis Chapman Coombe
Wallace Sititi, Scott Robertson

Scott Robertson has shed light on the potential Test future of breakthrough star Wallace Sititi

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has outlined the possible Test future of breakthrough star Wallace Sititi, stating he can cover the whole back-row. 

Chiefs ace Sititi has been a regular in the All Blacks squad this Championship, starting three of their five Tests at blindside flanker.

Robertson on ‘humble’ Sititi

Sititi has arguably been the standout player for the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship, and still only 22-years-old there is more to come from him in the future.

Speaking to the media after the 33-13 win over Australia, Robertson opened up on the man behind the player.

“He’s a great kid, you’ve got to get to know him to really understand his values,” Robertson said.

“He’s a man of faith, he believes in himself and he trusts his skillset. He’s really humble, but he’s tough; he can play.”

All Blacks player ratings: ‘Effortless’ Beauden Barrett settles fly-half debate as Scott Robertson’s ‘find of the season’ stars once again

Sitit made his All Blacks debut in the 47-5 win over Fiji in San Diego from the bench, but he has gone on to become a crucial cog in the pack since making his maiden start against the Springboks.

Where should Sititi play?

Whilst Sititi has looked more than comfortable in the number six jumper, he usually plays at eight for club side Chiefs.

Commenting on where his best position lies, Robertson said he feels Sititi is “comfortable at six” but it doesn’t change his game too much.

“Just think for the mix with Sam (Cane), and just the way it’s been in the past four of five weeks with the leadership that Sam’s created, we’ve put him to six because he can lineout jump, and other than the scrum where he picks at six he can just play in the middle,” he said.

Robertson added: “I think those days are gone where you play six or seven or eight, normally they can play all three and you can mix and match; England do it and a lot of other teams do it. He’s comfortable at six, but he’s naturally probably an eight.”

Moving Sititi to six on a regular basis could be a clever move to keep him in the starting XV, with figurehead Ardie Savea locking down the number eight jersey.

READ NEXT: All Blacks v Wallabies: Five takeaways from a ‘breathless’ Bledisloe as Wellington rises to bid farewell to legendary duo