The All Blacks come to Murrayfield looking to preserve a 120-year-old unbeaten record against Scotland, and the occasion will be extra special for Sititi.
“It’s a strong connection for myself and my family,” he said. “It’s been a special feeling being back here and experiencing it.
“I think two or three weeks after my birth, my mum flew back here, so I spent the early years of my life here. Don’t remember too much, so in a sense this is my first time in Scotland.
“It’s been a special week leading into a big game, and yeah, just excited. My first time against the Scottish as well.”
In a match featuring a number of intriguing subplots, the battle of the 10s – Finn Russell v Beauden Barrett – is perhaps the most fascinating.
The All Blacks legend has seen and done it all as a World Cup-winner and a two-times World Player of the Year, but has a healthy respect for his opposite number.
“I really admire Finn, always have,” said Barrett, who will play his 143rd Test on Saturday.
“I just love the way he plays with freedom, almost like he’s not worried about anything. I guess that’s probably why you see the brilliance, it’s like he’s got nothing to lose and he just plays with zero care.
“That’s how I play my best footy too, having that expectation or that feeling of freedom and obviously he epitomises that.”
