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'I'm just going to add my own flavour': Dalton Papalii looking to stamp his mark at No 6
By Ben Smith
Blues captain Dalton Papalii has been named to start at No 6 for the All Blacks this weekend against Ireland in a reshuffle that will see Scott Barrett move to the second row to replace Sam Whitelock.
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It will be Papalii’s first start since before the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, when the Blues captain came down with appendicitis just two days before they were due to play the Highlanders in the quarter-final.
The 24-year-old is aiming to leave a mark at the secondary position and emulate some of the deeds of his former club teammate and All Black legend Jerome Kaino.
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“To be honest, I haven’t really played much six this year but nothing really changes for me, mentally or physically,” Papalii said.
“Maybe more of a different role around the field because all three loosies have different roles, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I want to try and play my own game, add my own flavour to the No 6 jersey, leave a bit of a legacy for my name in that jersey.
“I’ve been following guys like Jerome Kaino growing up, watching him and actually playing with him at the Blues, getting a few tips of him.
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“Everyone says you go into the jersey, it’s not yours, you are just carrying it on. You leave your legacy in it and it’s an opportunity for me to put a stamp in the No 6 jersey and leave my mark there.
“Whatever comes, comes.”
Papalii was perhaps the form openside flanker in Super Rugby Pacific for the Blues but will alter his approach slightly on defence in his new position.
Having got a taste of the action in the last quarter at Eden Park as a replacement for Sam Cane, he will be looking to play the enforcer type role provided he covers his core duties.
“I think it’s all the same but the No 6 I think, in my opinion, is more the hitman. So I’ve just got to try smack someone early on,” Papalii joked.
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“I’m just going to add my own flavour, add my own take to the jersey and still go out there and do my job, because that’s the main thing first.
“Do the basics well and then the one and two percenters will come along after that.
“I’ve got to nail that first and then maybe get a few hits like Guzzler [Brodie Retallick] here does.”
The All Blacks’ pack will be bolstered by the return of lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who joined the squad this week after Whitelock was ruled out with delayed concussion.
Tuipulotu has been named on the bench and Papalii says the team has been boosted by the return of the imposing Blues’ lock.
“I’ve missed him. Building a relationship with him at the Blues, now to this place, he’s always looked out for the younger blokes coming through,” Papalii said.
“We respect him hugely. Seeing his face coming into the environment has been huge, it uplifts the morale around the environment as well.
“It’s pretty awesome to have him back.”
