Wallace Sititi and Simon Parker are excited to clash with South African clubs for the first time as the All Blacks steel themselves for Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener.
The loose forwards spoke pitchside after training at Athlone Stadium on Monday, ahead of kicking off their seven-match tour of the Republic against the Stormers in Cape Town.
It is set to be a blockbuster showdown with the likes of Springboks Deon Fourie and Evan Roos, who are expected to pack down for John Dobson’s men at Cape Town Stadium.
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The 23-year-old Sititi, who started for the All Blacks in a 2024 defeat by the Springboks at the Mother City venue, has never faced a South African club after lockdown restrictions and SA’s Super Rugby exit six years ago.
“My first year of Super Rugby, playing in South Africa was already finished,” the Chiefs star said. “I wouldn’t know what it was like to play these franchises. At the same time, I would love to know as well.”
Known for his power and work rate, Sititi flagged the Stormers pack as a massive threat for the New Zealanders this week.
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“They’re a big pack, that’s what we know,” he added. “Big forward pack that loves to run the ball, and loves collision battles. We’ve got to respect them up there.”
Sititi, the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of 2024, said the All Blacks would approach every match on tour with the same mindset.
“Those midweek games against the franchises, we’re treating them like Test matches. We know what the quality is like here and we’ll prepare accordingly.”
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Fellow Chiefs flanker Parker added: “It’s a cool prospect coming over here and was not something I got to do in Super Rugby.
“But speaking with the boys that have done it, they loved coming over here and getting a couple of weeks on tour. I’m champing at the bit.”
The 26-year-old said South African club rugby now registers mostly via Vodacom URC matches.
“The boys have plenty of interest in the URC games, and especially the last couple of years [Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane] have been playing for Leinster and been watching them with interest.”
Asked what will separate the teams on Friday, Parker kept it simple: “It just comes down to whatever team shows up and whatever team wants it more.”
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Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
The post All Blacks brace for unknown Stormers battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Wallace Sititi and Simon Parker are excited to clash with South African clubs for the first time as the All Blacks steel themselves for Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener.
The post All Blacks brace for unknown Stormers battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
