Papalii out, Blackadder injured
Blues captain and All Blacks flanker Dalton Papalii is expected to miss tonight’s Super Rugby quarter-final against the Highlanders at Eden Park and potentially be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a medical issue.
The Blues declined to comment when approached, saying the matter was private, but the Weekend Herald understands Papalii could miss the rest of the Super Rugby season and be in major doubt for the All Blacks’ three-test series against Ireland next month.
Papalii was named to start at openside flanker for the Blues, alongside Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu, against the Highlanders but the medical issue is believed to have since flared up.
The 28-year-old has been an inspirational skipper for the Blues this season, leading the team to a record run of 13 unbeaten matches.
The Blues are likely to promote Adrian Choat from the bench, as they are already missing Anton Segner following his ankle injury last week.
Papalii’s absence would be a huge blow to the All Blacks, too. Last year, he firmly established his presence by starting eight tests, and his abrasive qualities would be welcomed against Ireland, with speculation he could have been used in the blindside role.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster was dealt another blow last night with impressive Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder departing in the 62nd minute of their 37-15 victory against the Reds in Christchurch with a concerning wrist injury.
After a superb performance from the openside flanker at the breakdown and with ball in hand, Blackadder was in serious pain when he left the field and is likely to face an extended stint on the sideline.
Losing Papalii and Blackadder, the latter featuring in nine tests last year, would force Foster to significantly reshape his loose forward plans for Ireland.
News of Papalii and Blackadder’s ailments come as All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith is expected to be ruled out for the Highlanders with a groin injury that could sideline him for three weeks.
Tongan-born All Blacks prospect Folau Fakatava is likely to take Smith’s place in the Highlanders’ starting side, with Kayne Hammington moving on to the bench.