All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan heaped praise on star rookie Wallace Sititi and underlined that the strong backline could take his play to very high levels.

Sititi’s year began with a tumultuous Super Rugby Pacific season for the Chiefs; where he excelled in the carry and achieved impressive post-contact metrics in the competition.

The form of the 22-year-old football player was noticed very soon. All Blacks The management have not only addressed a problem at blindside following Sititi’s debut against Fiji earlier this year, but have also perfected his role during the Rugby Championship.

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He was rewarded with a start in his preferred number eight position against Japan. Ardie Savea I rest and play great once again. Needless to say, the forward has earned the approval of his coach.

“He caught the eye of (All Blacks coaches) in Super Rugby, he’s sort of middle of the road. He was also very well known in New Zealand during the under-20s campaign for his ball carrying and defense which was his real difference maker,” Ryan said.

“What impressed us in the Test arena was how natural he seemed to carry himself. To be fair, he’s got a lot of leadership in his own little way. “He works really hard with Ardie and the other loose forwards who are looking to improve their game.

“Then there’s the other side of his body and we’re getting his fitness up to Test level so we can take him further. The sky’s really the limit around Wally.”

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Speaking of working closely with Savea, the Men’s World Rugby Player of the Year recipient also joined in the praise for Sititi and her influence.

“It’s been fantastic coming into this environment, he’s found what works for him and he’s playing great football and that’s a testament to him, his preparation, his level-headedness and the composure he has,” Savea told media in London.

“Man, he inspires his teammates around him and that’s special.”

There have been some calls to move Savea to the attacking side and Sititi to number eight, but wherever they play, the veteran sees himself as a Test rookie.

“I’m not so sure. Mate reminds me a little of myself with the way he plays. He can play eight, seven or six times and be great at it; I’m not saying I’m great,” Savea laughed.

“He is quality. I think Wally and I have the same mentality. We are very grateful wherever we are. If we’re starting we’re grateful we started, it was my career and Wally’s the same.

“Man, he can play eight and be great, he can play six and be great even seven. “I know he will have quality wherever he goes.”

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