Sititi admits fitness wake-up call as All Blacks embrace Rennie's high-tempo game plan

Wallace Sititi has issued himself a blunt fitness warning after experiencing Dave Rennie’s high-tempo All Blacks system first-hand in New Zealand’s narrow two-point victory over France in Christchurch.

The 23-year-old flanker came off the bench for 27 minutes and posted the second-highest ball-carrier usage rate of any player in the match — yet it was the physical demand of the new game plan, rather than the result, that left the biggest impression on him.

“I’ve definitely got to get fitter, that’s for sure,” Sititi said with a grin. “You would’ve seen last week that we like to play with a bit of speed and optimism. With that, you need to be at a certain fitness level, at a certain skill level as well. I’m definitely trying to get used to the speed and tempo. I’m enjoying it, that’s for sure.”

Sititi’s candid self-assessment reflects a broader message Rennie has reportedly been delivering to the All Blacks squad throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season. While the performance against France was far from polished, New Zealand showed they could generate momentum with ball in hand under the new system.

With an Italy Test on the horizon, Sititi said controlling the pace of play — in both directions — was a key priority for the squad. “Both on attack and defence, if we can control the speed, it’ll help us a lot in our game,” he said.

Beyond the tactical shift, Sititi was effusive about the culture taking shape under Rennie and captain Ardie Savea. “I think we know how good Rens is as a coach and also Ardie as a skipper. The culture starts up there, and they’ve done a great job. A lot of other boys as well, the whole leadership group, have bought into it and led that as well. The boys here are just trying to follow their lead, and hopefully we can build something special.”

Savea is among five loose forwards competing with Sititi for minutes in one of the All Blacks’ most fiercely contested positions. Rather than viewing the crowded back row as a threat, Sititi embraced the rivalry. “We’ve got some top-calibre players here, not just in this team but also in this country. There’s a lot of healthy competition — it helps us, we’re a tight group, we push each other, and hopefully we can bring the best out of each other.”

Having spent much of his Test career in an impact role, Sititi says he remains unconcerned about where he features in the matchday 23. “You know me, I’ll play wing if they want me to play wing. I’m happy to be out there whenever they need me.”