Overview
- Sititi told reporters on Monday that being dropped from the last Nations Championship Test was tough and that he is focusing on enjoying his rugby and getting back to his best.
- He will use Friday's midweek game against the Stormers in Cape Town as a direct opportunity to impress selectors in match conditions.
- Coach Dave Rennie brought a 44-man touring squad and plans significant rotation, with Ardie Savea given rest time and expected to rejoin before the four Tests at number eight.
- Sititi identified Stormers and Springboks flanker Paul de Villiers as a major on-tour threat because of his low-body jackaling and heavy collision play.
- New Zealand are treating the four provincial fixtures as live auditions to finalise Test picks and to test depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle, which raises selection pressure for players returning form.