Wallace Sititi: Beleaguered All Blacks must ‘step up’
The loose forward said a much-changed side will have to be more disciplined in the fourth Test against the Springboks.
In the wake of their disappointing 23-20 defeat to the Springboks in Soweto, All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi emphasized the team's need to "step up," even with personnel changes ahead of their fourth Test in Baltimore on Saturday. The match comes after the Boks rebounded from a loss at Ellis Park to secure victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town and at FNB Stadium. The Boks now lead the series 2-1, but the All Blacks still have a chance to secure a draw at M&T Bank Stadium (kick-off 11:10pm SAST).
Head coach Dave Rennie is expected to make changes due to injuries to loose forward Ardie Savea (dislocated shoulder), center Quinn Tupaea (knee – MCL), and Luke Jacobson (elbow tendon). These absences prompted Rennie to field a 36-man squad for the United States game. Sititi, who replaced Savea following the regular captain's early contribution, expressed his disappointment with the result.
Despite the loss, the All Blacks had a competitive game, thanks to their ability to capitalize on scrum penalties, a penalty try from a scrum, and a maul under the Springboks' posts for one of their tries. However, they conceded 12 penalties, a fact that coach Rennie lamented after the game. These included a yellow card for Ruben Love's offside infringement and the penalty try from collapsing a scrum.
Referee Nika Amashukeli was particularly harsh on these infringements compared to Andrew Gardner, who had officiated the previous week.
Sititi acknowledged the issue and emphasized that the All Blacks have the experience to rise to the occasion. He stated, "We have been around long enough to know that when it's time to step up, it's your time to step up. We will make sure we hold each other accountable."
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