Siblings Wallace and Amarante Sititi set to make Test history together in Johannesburg

Wallace Sititi and his 19-year-old sister Amarante are set to make Test history at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, when both pull on New Zealand jerseys in the Greatest Rivalry double-header — Wallace for the All Blacks and Amarante for the Black Ferns, each wearing the No.20 shirt.

It is only the second time siblings have represented New Zealand on the same matchday, following Annaleah and Xavier Rush in 1998. For Amarante, Saturday will be just her second Test appearance; Wallace will be making his 22nd.

“Obviously, it’s special just to be in this All Blacks team, and to have my little sister here sitting next to me is definitely special. Doing it on the same day, and wearing the same number is crazy,” Wallace told reporters on the eve of the fixture. “I’m extremely proud. She’s put in a lot of hard work to get here, and although it’s been a quick rise, I think that’s a testament to how hard she’s worked.”

Wallace recalled the moment Amarante, then still at school, told him she wanted to pursue rugby professionally. “I said if that’s what you want, then stick to the lord and he’ll guide you through it. She’s worked pretty hard, and I’m just extremely proud of her.”

For Amarante, the occasion carries a weight that goes beyond the scoreboard. “Representing this country is a privilege, but doing it alongside my brother is something special, and I’ll always hold it in my heart,” said the Blues star. “I’m still buzzing that I get to be here with him. He’s a big inspiration for me, just like my dad.”

That father is Semo Sititi, a former Samoa captain and 59-Test international, whose influence looms large over both careers. When it became clear earlier in the week that both children would feature, Semo booked a flight to South Africa without hesitation.

“It wasn’t planned that he was going to be here,” Wallace explained. “We sort of had this date in the back of our minds that there was a possibility it could happen. And then, when we found out we were both going to play, he said he would somehow make his way here. He’s had a massive influence on us, not only as rugby players, but as people.”

The double-header also marks the first time the Black Ferns have faced the Springbok Women on South African soil, adding another layer of history to what is already a landmark day for the Sititi family.