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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
