The Super Rugby Pacific finals will see the sons of two rugby legends go head-to-head in the final.
They are Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi and the Blues’ loose forward Hoskins Sotutu.
Their fathers, former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi and Blues mid-fiedler and winger Waisake Sotutu, left indelible marks on the sport.
Now, it’s their sons’ turn to shine on the grand stage.
Hoskins Sotutu, following in his father’s footsteps, has made a name for himself with the Blues. At just 19, he was part of the Blues team that won the Brisbane 10s in 2018.
Sotutu expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the Blues team, and it feels unreal.
“To play in a final has been a goal. Not every team makes it, and we can’t take these moments for granted.”
Sotutu debuted against the Crusaders in 2019 and has been a regular for Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.
His father, Waisake Sotutu, began his career at Wesley College and Marist, played for Counties Manukau and Auckland, and represented the Auckland Blues in the Super 12.
He earned his first cap for Fiji in 1999 and played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Hoskins acknowledges his father’s influence: “Growing up starting in the backs, my father always had an opinion on everything, and that really helped me with my game and skillset.
“Obviously, moving to the forwards later on, I’ve been the one telling him that he can’t tell me what to do anymore.” Sotutu say’s.
Wallace Sititi, son of Lemalu Semo Sititi, has had an impressive career trajectory.
A former deputy head boy at De La Salle College and captain of the First XV, Wallace led the Blues U20 side in 2022 and made his NPC debut for North Harbour.
In 2023, he joined the Gallagher Chiefs’ wider training squad and was part of the Chiefs Development XV team.
His father, Lemalu, debuted as a flanker for Samoa in 1999, captained the national team after the 1999 World Cup, and led Samoa 7s to the 2001 Rugby World Cup 7s.
He also played for the Wellington Hurricanes in the National Provincial Championship.
Lemalu shared his pride: “When he was young, I’d take him with me to every training. He started picking up the ball and being a waterboy for the past Manu Samoa players.
“I’ve always given him this advice: you can’t find anything easily. You need to find your own footsteps instead of following mine. I want him to make a name for himself and not because of me.”
He added, “My advice to my son in this final is it’s about the whole team and not about him. He needs to be amongst his whole team, and not fight.
“Stay humble and walk away from all the trouble.”
This final also marks a historic moment for the Blues, who are chasing their first Super Rugby title since 2003.
A win would secure their fifth Super Rugby title. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who upset the Hurricanes with a 30-19 win in the semi-final, are aiming for their first Super Rugby title since 2013.
Looking forward to the game on Saturday, Sotutu commented, “Wallace and I have a connection from when we played for Marist.
“I also know his old man. It’s pretty cool to see he’s going really well, he’s a strong player, and it’ll be a good matchup.”
Lemalu offered advice for other parents who want their sons to play rugby: “Don’t force your children to play rugby that they are not good at.
“The best way to do it is to try their best to do their best your child will know, and that is when we support them.
“Sport is a part-time thing; you’re not going to play all your life. Whatever comes your way, grab it and run with it.”
