Dalton Papalii wants to bring his own twist to the All Blacks number six jersey after being named at blindside flanker for the second test against Ireland in Dunedin on Saturday.
Papalii was the form openside flanker in this year’s Super Rugby competition as he helped the Auckland Blues to the final, but gets his chance in test rugby on the other side of the scrum.
“To be honest, I haven’t played much at six this year but nothing really changes for me mentally or physically,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“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 play my own game, add a twist, add my own flavour, to the six jersey and leave a bit of a legacy in that jersey.”
While the fast conditions expected for the match under the roof at Otago Stadium will suit his mobility, Papalii said he had no concerns about the physicality required for the job.
“The six, in my opinion, is more of the hit man, so I’ve got to try smack someone early on,” Papalii laughed.
“I’m just going to go out there and do my job, because that’s the main thing is doing my job, the basics well. I’ve got to nail that first and then maybe I’ll get a few hits.”
While captain Sam Cane, when fit, has been first call for the openside flanker position for New Zealand for a few years, no one has successfully kept hold of the number six shirt since Jerome Kaino retired from test rugby in 2017.
Papalii, who came off the bench in last week’s 42-19 victory in the first test against Ireland, said he had learned from the best.
“I’ve been following guys like Jerome Kaino growing up watching him, and then actually playing with him at the Blues and getting a few tips from him,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for me to put a stamp on the six jersey and leave my mark there. Whatever comes, comes.”
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