'The game slows down for him': Wallace Sititi staking his All Blacks claim

Wallace Sititi has proven to be a revelation at blindside flanker for the All Blacks during his debut Rugby Championship, making himself at home in the international arena after taking his opportunity in the No. 6 jersey with both hands.

Having turned 22 years of age just three weeks ago, Sititi established himself as not just a premier loose forward in the New Zealand side but a premier loose forward in the tournament as a whole, going toe-to-toe with the best of South Africa and Australia after his promotion to the starting XV.

His initial selection in the first All Blacks squad of the year came as a surprise to many, especially given the loose forward unit was perhaps the most competitive of all selection calls after an immense Super Rugby Pacific season from all five Kiwi teams' respective back rows.

The 2024 season MVP was Blues No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu, who was the biggest shock omission from the first All Blacks squad and put even more emphasis, and scrutiny, on the inclusion of his Chiefs counterpart Sititi.

With such a brief introduction to professional rugby, it was easy to see the Samoan-born budding Super Rugby star as a project player, but Sititi's form in the black jersey has shown he's not waiting to fulfil his world-class potential, he's living it.

"We knew he was special, we knew he had an ability to read the game but more importantly trust his skill set," All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson told The Breakdown.

"He's someone who can go... you're not sure what he's going to do, do you? But his trust in his mind, he's really clear. The game slows down for him, he's got that. But, his physicality, how tough he is and how humble - he's got a beautiful blend.

"We've got to make sure we set him up, continuing his form and get his week right and look after him."

Having donned nothing but the No. 8 jersey with the Chiefs, Sititi's selection on the blindside flank was also a surprise and made his debut start against the reigning world champions in Cape Town even more of a challenge.

Fans have been left to wonder whether a shift to No. 8 could be on the cards if Sititi's form continues. Robertson was asked where he sees his young star playing in the future, responding "somewhere in the loose forwards" with a laugh.

"The good thing is as we know he can play eight, he can cover six and he's even played a little bit of seven before so he'll be in the mix."

Currently joining Sititi and reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea in the starting loose forward trio is former All Blacks captain Sam Cane, who is playing his final year with the team before he begins his new long-term deal in Japan.

Cane's days in the black jersey being numbered have left some questions over whether his selection in the upcoming Northern Tour squad, potentially at the expense of another promising youngster like Peter Lakai, would be a missed opportunity to introduce more young talent to the All Blacks environment.

Robertson wouldn't disclose his stance on the debate but said he and his fellow selectors would discuss it when selecting the squad.

"We'll find out on October the seventh," he said. "He's (Cane has) done an incredible role, I cannot underestimate what he's done. It wasn't a sentimental decision to get him to 100 caps, he performed to get himself there.

"Look, we'll have a couple of conversations over the next week about what's the best thing for the All Blacks."