New Zealand coach Scott Robertson expects rising loose forward Wallace Sititi to ignore the "hype" and be a standout figure on their northern hemisphere tour.
Sititi is arguably the find of the season for the All Blacks, who have struggled for consistency throughout Robertson's first nine tests in charge and are expected to be seriously challenged on their five-match season-ending tour.
Robertson has overseen six wins, including Saturday's 33-13 defeat of Australia in Wellington to round out the Rugby Championship.
Rookie flanker Sititi was again a standout figure in just his fifth test appearance, the 22-year-old's influential mix of skill and power belying his inexperience.
Wallace Sititi is really, really good. #NZvAUSpic.twitter.com/a4hztfvAkS
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) September 28, 2024
Robertson was initially reluctant to talk up the dynamic son of former Samoan captain Semo Sititi.
"A lot's been said about him but the good thing about him is he's humble – the hype won't go to his head or anything," Robertson said Sunday of the younger Sititi, who has started the last three tests after Ethan Blackadder was injured during this month's winless tour of South Africa.
Your #SuperRugbyPacific Breakthrough Player of the Year: Wallace Sititi! pic.twitter.com/Gn3qWWA4Qs
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) July 2, 2024
"Wallace is just a quality loose forward and he trusts his skills, and he's got a real calmness.
"And the profile he's got, the size, he's got a power game and a skill set and he's tough."
New Zealand were upset by Argentina in August before losing both of their matches against Rugby Championship winners South Africa.
They bounced back with twin defeats of the struggling Wallabies and Robertson believes there are enough signs of improvement to be confident of rounding out the year in strong fashion.
The tour starts against Japan in Tokyo on October 26, followed by tests on successive weekends against Europe's three strongest nations – England, Ireland and France, followed by Italy.
Robertson confirmed there were few injury concerns and he expected Jordie Barrett to be included in his 36-man tour squad after the influential midfield back missed the Wellington test with knee damage.
The squad named on October 7 will not feature hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, who is still recovering from a calf injury suffered four months ago, Robertson said.
World Cup scrum-half Cam Roigard has shaken off a knee injury and is expected to be included.
Robertson was tight-lipped over whether he would include flanker Sam Cane and scrum-half TJ Perenara, who both played their last home tests on Saturday.
Both veterans will take up Japan club contracts at the end of the year and become unavailable for the All Blacks, fuelling speculation Robertson will prioritise younger players in those positions on tour.