Papalii embraces ‘hitman’ role
All Blacks flanker Dalton Papalii wants to channel his inner Jerome Kaino and ‘‘smack someone early on’’ in the unfamiliar No 6 jersey in the second test against Ireland in Dunedin tomorrow.
Papalii, a standout for the Blues in the No 7 jersey, has been shifted to the other side of the scrum in a move that the All Blacks have been weighing up for quite some time.
However, he will don the jersey in the knowledge it is likely to be a part-time role.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirmed yesterday that Scott Barrett had been in line to retain the No 6 jersey this week before locks Sam Whitelock and Tupou Vaa’i were ruled out due to concussion and Covid-19, respectively.
That suggests Barrett has the inside running to take hold of the No 6 jersey all the way through to the Rugby World Cup next year.
‘‘I think it’s fair to say we probably would have looked at ‘Scooter’ [Barrett] again,’’ Foster said.
‘‘I think you’ll see him there again at some stage but for now it’s a chance for us to look at where we could have ended up on the second half last week, which is three more mobile loosies.
‘‘They play a little bit similar but Dalton is a tough rugby player and he’s physical in the tackle and he’s quick, so it just gives us a different dynamic. But clearly the set piece will be a little bit affected.’’
Papalii’s game is well suited to elements of the role, particularly as an Aucklander who grew up watching Kaino go about his business for the Blues and All Blacks.
Kaino’s work has clearly shaped Papalii’s view of his job against the Irish.
‘‘The No 6 is more of a hit man. I’ve just got to try to smack someone early on. No, I’m just going to add my own flavour to the jersey. I’ve still got to do my job because that’s the main thing . . . doing my job first and the basics well, and then the one or two percenters will come along after that.’’
Foster acknowledged that Papalii was ‘‘a different No 6’’ who could cover a lot of ground, but it appears there were three other
All Blacks team:
Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Dalton Papalii, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan.