Jordie Barrett and Wallace Sititi are braced for a physical rematch against the Springboks on Saturday, aiming to rectify New Zealand’s recent shortcomings in closing out matches, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

Reflecting on last week’s heartbreaking 31-27 loss to the Boks in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park, where the All Blacks let slip a 10-point lead in the final 20 minutes, inside centre Barrett on Thursday admitted, “Still a little bit of disappointment lingering from last week and we want to right a few wrongs.

“It’s been a good week so far, but there’s a little bit to go until another big challenge against a quality side.”

The Kiwis’ inability to finish strong has been a recurring issue in 2024. Barrett highlighted this as a key focus heading into this week’s clash at Cape Town Stadium: “We didn’t finish the game well last week, and we haven’t for a few weeks; hopefully, we can close the game out in the last quarter if we get the opportunity…

“We just need to keep applying pressure when it matters in those deciding minutes of the game, and can’t let teams off the hook. A little bit of that has been us and we’re tried to focus on those areas, and I feel that we’re learning so hopefully we see some improvement on the weekend.”

Barrett also acknowledged the challenges that come with the new coaching regime under Scott Robertson. While 2024 is a transition year for the All Blacks, he stressed the need for quick adaptation. “It’s normal for a year after a World Cup phase… [but] we’re certainly not looking to make excuses.

“We’ve had plenty of time to prepare [and] we’re facing good opposition and we need to learn fast and adapt.”

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He praised the world champion Boks’ form under Rassie Erasmus, regardless of team changes: “[The Boks] have been ultra-consistent… their selection does [change] but they’ve got a lot of depth… Whoever Rassie puts out there seems to do the job.”

Barrett is set to face Bok blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, a player he holds in high regard. “He’s an exceptional player. He’s so versatile, so durable and covers a lot of ground and it’s inevitable that if I’m playing at 12, I’m going to be running into that channel, and Pieter-Steph will be there. I enjoy it; it’s a great challenge.”

Meanwhile, Sititi, who will make his first Test start at blindside flanker in place of the injured Ethan Blackadder, is eager to step up. “Definitely excited, it’s a big Test and my first start as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing how I do and challenge myself,” Sititi said.

The 21-year-old has risen rapidly, going from playing for the Chiefs development team earlier this year to now facing the world champions. While Sititi has mostly played No 8 in Super Rugby, he is ready to bring the required physicality to his new role.

“It’s a big change… but we’ve prepared well for it. It was a bit of a surprise because I haven’t played six in a while. Hopefully I can bring that physicality to the game on Saturday.”

Sititi also credited Blackadder for his guidance during the campaign, though he joked that “we’ll keep [his tips] to ourselves!”

As for what head coach Robertson expects of him against the Springboks? Sititi’s answer was simple: “Physicality, both on attack and defence.”

Photo: @AllBlacks/Twitter

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