New Zealand loose forward Wallace Sititi has been ruled out of the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship opener against Argentina as he continues to recover from ankle surgery, coach Scott Robertson confirmed on Tuesday.
Sititi, who was named All Blacks Player of the Year in his breakout 2024 debut season, missed the July series against France and had targeted a return for Saturday’s match in Córdoba. However, he will now spend at least another week on the sidelines.
His absence opens the door for a potential recall for Peter Lakai or a debut for Simon Parker, although Robertson may choose to stick with the back row combination that closed out the France series. In that third and final test, a 29-19 victory in Hamilton, Ardie Savea started at number eight and Du’Plessis Kirifi at openside flanker, after Luke Jacobson withdrew late due to injury.
The All Blacks swept France 3-0 in July but will face a different challenge in Argentina, where they remain unbeaten in 40 years of test rugby. However, memories of last year’s 38-30 defeat to the Pumas in Wellington — their third loss to Argentina in the last 10 meetings — remain fresh.
“They’re a team with a lot of experience, a lot of them play in Europe, they’re really well coached, and they play with passion,” said Robertson. “Anyone can beat anyone on the night, you’ve got to be at your best – every game. That’s the exciting part of this tour.”