Semo Sititi: Making the All Blacks and Black Ferns is the easy part

Sāmoa rugby great Lemalu Semo Sititi has watched his son Wallace become an All Black and his daughter, Amarante, make her Black Ferns debut, scoring a try in Saturday’s 66-19 demolition of the Australian Wallaroos in Auckland.

Now, he says the real challenge is staying there. Making the national teams is only the beginning, he adds.

“The easiest part now is to make the old blacks and the black friends. The hardest part now is how long you want to stay in there,” Sititi told Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle.

For the Sāmoan rugby legend, his children's success is about more than what they have achieved on the field.

“As a father, it fills me with immense pride,” Sititi said. “You mentioned about Sāmoa.....Sāmoa was one of the greatest honours of my life, to be honest.

"And I know the commitment and sacrifice it takes to wear a national jersey, and to now see Wallace wear the All Blacks jersey.”

Watch Semo Sititi's full interview on Pacific Huddle below.

Sititi said he was equally proud of the character, humility, and hard work his children had shown on their way to the international stage.

Amarante, who scored the final try in the Black Ferns' win over Australia said the moment was just as meaningful for the family.

“It's really special, it's a big moment for our families, and I'm just really happy to be able to serve this country in the women's space.”

Black Ferns debutant Amarante Sititi takes on the Wallaroos in New Zealand’s 66-19 win in Auckland on Saturday. Photo/Photosport

The 19-year-old said even with her family's rugby background, making the Black Ferns had come as a surprise.

“I was actually surprised I'm on the team, but I guess all in God's plan and we're meant to be here.”

Sititi's message to both his children is simple: stay grounded and remember where they come from.

“The advice I've always given them both is to stay grounded and remember who they are and where they come from,” he said.

“Representing your country is a huge privilege but it's also a responsibility.”

That message carries particular weight for Sititi, who wore the Manu Sāmoa jersey himself and understands what it means to represent a country and its people.

Former Manu Sāmoa international Semo Sititi against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in July 2003 which Sāmoa won 34-32. Photo/Photosport/Africa Visuals

That message is something Wallace has also experienced since becoming an All Black.

He has already played in South Africa on the tour, coming off the bench to score in the All Blacks' 50-19 win over the Bulls in Pretoria on 16 August (NZT).

But he did not play against the Stormers on 8 August (NZT) after being withdrawn from the starting side because of illness.

Earlier this month, he acknowledged the demands of staying in a high-performance environment.

“The All Blacks is a high-performance environment that expects the best, and when you don't play your best, they get someone (else) to do it, because there's a lot of quality out here," Wallace told reporters in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sititi said Wallace and Amarante continue to carry the Sāmoan values they were raised with including respect, humility, service and hard work.

All Black Wallace Sititi scores against the Bulls after coming off the bench in New Zealand’s 50-19 win in Pretoria on 16 August. Photo/Photosport/Ron Gaunt

“We brought them up in Sāmoan. We tell them, don't, please don't forget your Sāmoan values and culture that have shaped you when you were young.”

Sititi says seeing his children succeed in New Zealand while holding on to their Sāmoan heritage is a reflection of the journey his family has taken.

“We were at the Black Ferns' jersey presentation last night [Friday]. It was a different feeling. We were at the All Blacks and we never thought that we're going to be there,” he said. “I think it's a blessing.”

Sititi also hopes their story can inspire other Pacific families and young athletes.

He said the family came to New Zealand for better education, sports and health opportunities, but success still requires sacrifice and hard work.

“We still remember your village, your people that's been praying for you all day.”

And while Wallace and Amarante have already reached the highest level, Sititi says they cannot afford to stop pushing themselves.

“It's a challenge for him now because everybody's playing well at the moment. So it's every time, every day is a challenge and he's just living the dream while you can, but at the same time, keep working hard.”

Wallace awaits the call from coach Dave Rennie if he will feature in Wednesday's Lions clash in Johanessburg or the second Test side against the Springboks in Cape Town next Sunday.

Amarante is Test against the South African Springbok Women on Saturday, 5 September at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Kick-off is at 11.30pm NZT.

For a father who once represented Sāmoa at the highest level, Sititi says seeing his children represent New Zealand is a powerful moment.

But his message is clear: the jersey is not the destination. It is the start of the next challenge.