Wallace Sititi stated that the All Blacks team will approach matches against United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises in South Africa with the same intensity and seriousness as they do test matches. He emphasized that the team does not intend to lower its preparation level, even though these matches are played mid-week.
The New Zealand team is starting its four-match tour against the Stormers in Cape Town. Following this, they will face the Sharks and Bulls before the opening test match against the Springboks at Ellis Park at the end of the current month. A game against the Lions is scheduled next on Tuesday.
Although mid-week games may not carry the same status as test matches, Sititi noted that the squad intends to view them as elite-level competitions. The first match will take place at DHL Stadium on Friday at 7:00 PM.
Sititi clarified that the team will prepare for these matches because they know the quality of the opponents. Although the New Zealanders have not faced local teams in Super Rugby since the departure of the South African sides, past tours to South Africa during the Southern Hemisphere club tournament were discussed within the New Zealand camp.
The 23-year-old player accepted the challenge of facing the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, and Lions. He mentioned that many teammates spoke positively about such tours and acknowledged the high quality of South African football, wondering if playing in Super Rugby would improve their skills. He answered affirmatively, calling the opponents a quality rival.
The All Blacks, who were warmly welcomed in Cape Town, understand that they cannot afford a slow start on Friday. Despite remaining undefeated after impressive performances in the Tri Nations, a poor start could make them vulnerable ahead of the series of test matches.
For Sititi, these mid-week matches provide an additional opportunity for the team to build momentum and continue refining combinations under the guidance of new head coach Dave Rennie before the series begins. The Stormers are known for their physical power and pride in their scrum and driving maul. Similarly, the All Blacks know that the Springboks will also test them in these aspects, so a strong start against the first opponent in the ball contest will be a significant boost to confidence.
Nevertheless, the Stormers also enjoy playing in an expansive style, and considering the presence of two attacking players, Imdad Khan and junior Springbok Yaqeen Ahmed, managing the game from the midfield and wing positions, the New Zealanders will have to face a tough defensive test. Sititi believes that the ability to match the South Africans in collisions will be critically important for the All Blacks to impose their style of play. He noted that the Stormers possess a large forward who likes to run with the ball and participate in contact battles, so they must be respected in attack. Furthermore, since they like to use the ball, the New Zealanders need to be able to match them in attack to give their wing players all the necessary opportunities.
