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Ex-All Blacks captain Kieran Read's prediction for Wallace Sititi

Wallace Sititi of the All Blacks. Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Former All Black captain Kieran Read has delivered his verdict on rising star Wallace Sititi and offered a prediction for Sam Cane’s successor.

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Sititi has taken the game by storm this year since being handed the All Blacks blindside role during the Rugby Championship. Playing as a No 8 for the Chiefs, the 22-year-old has proved to be a masterstroke selection to fill the void left by Shannon Frizell.

The former All Blacks No 8 told Irish Independent’s The Left Wing podcast that he sees Sititi eventually taking his old position, currently filled by reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea.

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“He’s huge. He’s brilliant to watch,” Read told The Left Wing podcast. 

I’ve seen him live a couple times now in New Zealand, a few times live, and you can see his play. He doesn’t just, like on TV, you can see him working hard and things.

“But live, you can see where he fills the field. He knows where to go. He’s not just hunting the ball. So yes, he can do this amazing stuff, ball in hand, stepping players offloads, and things like that. But his ability to fill space and communicate where that is I think when you see him live, he’s special.

“He’ll have a huge career. It’s funny, right? He played five or six Super Rugby games this year, and just came from nowhere, and the All Blacks picked him.”

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Sam Cane’s swansong has continued through 2024 without a definite apparent heir for the All Blacks openside position.

Dalton Papalii started at No 7 during the England July series but has not been used since, while Hurricanes young openside Peter Lakai debuted against Japan in late October.

Read’s prediction is that Sititi will be the answer to the post-Cane loose forward trio, with Sititi assuming the No 8 jersey with Ardie Savea completing a shift to openside.

“And so he’s got huge raps as not just as a player, but as a leader for the future as well. So he’s brilliant. I think he will end up at No 8, 100%, and with Sam Cane moving on after this tour, yeah, I think it probably lends itself for Ardie to go to seven,” Read said. 

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“Unless there’s other people stepping up and space. Because it’s interchangeable, the loose forwards now. He definitely looks to me like a like a world class No 8.”

Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV

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Comments

2 Comments
B
Bull Shark 25 days ago

The only problem I have with the ABs winning - is Ben Smith appears with like a dozen articles all excitedly and in quick succession.

A
AD 24 days ago

That's just as annoying as you popping up to even mention it really. 🙄🤗

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M
Mzilikazi 3 hours ago
'Welsh regional rugby has failed conclusively and there is no way back'

Thanks for the very comprehensive response, Rob. I have held off responding till I had seen the match v the WB's, and had a better look at Sam. I was interested that you knew him at Uni, played with him.


I thought overall he had a very good game. Was especially impressed by his passing, the timing and accuracy. Very good long passer. He kicks well out of hand, and strikes the ball well off the tee. His one miss could have been costly, but I would not put too much on that.


I did feel he did not pose a running threat, did to carry into contact enough, so the WB's defence was spared that worry.


I fully agree with you that Cullen now needs to give Sam and extended run at 10 for Leinster, not necessarily starting him in every game, but making sure he always gets significant game time, week in, week out.


I'm interested in your comment "if he had a bit more pace he’d have the potential to have sextons brains and bods skills." That would be some combination !


I also had a look at his background. I knew he was a Newbridge College lad, and see he played for them in the Cup Campaign that was never finished due to Covid restrictions. I remember that year well....pity as that was an all Kildare Final, with Clongowes the opponent. The big Dublin schools for once not featuring.


Same happened up in Ulster, two schools outside Belfast in the Final...Wallace and Armagh Royal. I follow Armagh from out here in Qld, as Kenny Hooks(6 caps for Ireland) had built a small school up to being one of the best in Ulster over 40 plus years coaching there. I coached Kenny for five years...Medallion/U 15 and first XV.. at Bangor GS.


Signing off, just hope and pray Sam Prendergast remains free of any serious injury, and we see him develop over the next 10 plus years.

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