Rising Star Reflects on a Breakthrough All Blacks Season

Recognition for a successful debut season with the All Blacks may have come via the World Rugby Awards nomination for loose forward Wallace Sititi, but he has another Test to concentrate on against Italy on Sunday (NZT).

Sititi said after a big first year, he was grateful to be nominated for the Breakthrough Player of the Year World Rugby Award and included with the other nominees.

The year was not one he expected when setting out.

"I would have been happy with one game for the Chiefs."

His family has kept him grounded, and he is moving forward.

"There's still a lot of room for improvement, like there always is and you can see from the weekend that sometimes our best isn't good enough. So, we've got to keep moving forward, work with the coaches, who have been amazing, and see where we end up."

The All Blacks felt they were not clinical enough against France, and while that had been a common theme this year, they felt they were heading in the right direction and making strides.

"I guess it just didn't click on the day and sometimes we'll have those kind of games."

Prop Tamaiti Williams said after three big Test matches in consecutive weeks, he was feeling a little sore, but it was a good sore.

"We've learned a lot as a team and as Wallace says, he's pretty sore as well, so it's good for him to experience the world stage and how close Test matches are these days."

With the last Test against Italy, there would be no let-up.

"The All Black jersey demands your best and everyone here wants to be at their best. It has been a long year but we have one more opportunity to put on the black jersey and represent our country. There will be sore bodies and there will be a little tiredness in the camp, but to wear the black jersey is special."

Williams said he had a lot of personal growth this year, having suffered an early injury in Super Rugby Pacific, having a daughter born and then going into camp with the All Blacks.

"I've learned a lot about my body and what it takes to get up for every game."

He has also seen Sititi grow in his debut season.

"His confidence has grown right from day one. We always tell each other to keep backing ourselves and good things will happen."

Sititi said there have been plenty of lessons to absorb.

"I've learnt a lot but the big one is being able to win moments. One little error can cost you the game, and if you're not fully present in that moment, the momentum of the game can switch just like that. It's just about staying on, and being present, at every moment."

He is looking forward to being able to recharge but also putting in work ahead of the Super Rugby season to be ready for the quality of opposition that will be involved.

"It's just about trying to be my best consistently, and at a high level, and being able to do it again."