Source: Radio New Zealand
Blues captain Dalton Papali’i in action against the Chiefs at Eden Park. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Dalton Papali’i says becoming the 11th player to bring up 100 games for the Blues is one of the biggest honours of his career.
The Blues skipper will bring up the milestone in tonight’s Super Rugby Pacific match against the table-topping Brumbies in Canberra and admitted it has been on his mind this week.
The 37-Test flanker recently announced this season will be his ninth and last at the Blues before taking up a contract with French club Castres Olympique.
He said it would be hard to wrench himself away from Auckland and was pleased he’d become a centurion before he goes.
He joins a list topped by All Blacks great Keven Mealamu (164 games), while the most recent inductees were Test veterans Patrick Tuipulotu and Rieko Ioane, who brought up 100 games during the Blues’ title-run in 2024.
All Blacks players Dalton Papali’i and Rieko Ioane Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Inpho / www.photosport.nz
“They’re the legends of our game, they’re the ones who have paved the way for us young guys to come through,” Papali’i said.
“When you walk through a corridor at the Blues and you see the legends there that have got 100 games, you never think you’re going to rub shoulders with them and be up there with those boys.
“I don’t have the words to express how special it is. It’s a unique and exclusive group to be part of.”
Papali’i will have his mother and sister watching from the grandstand on Saturday night.
“It’s a pretty special feeling, not just for myself but for my family, especially the ones that have been there for the whole journey. And especially for my partner and little baby as well.
“It’s a pretty proud moment. Playing your debut is pretty special. You don’t think you’ll get to 50 games and once that pops up on you, 100 games still doesn’t feel real.”
Dalton Papali’i. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Papali’i wants to exit on a high, having suffered a setback to his test career last year when largely ignored by now-departed coach Scott Robertson.
The 28-year-old responded in style by leading the New Zealand XV on their unbeaten three-match tour of Europe under the coaching eye of Jamie Joseph.
Meanwhile, Blues Vern Cotter said Papali’i’s milestone is on the minds of his players.
“I think everyone’s proud to be a part of the team that has Dalton for his 100th game,” Cotter said.
“I know he’s focused on his job but we’re on tour, we’re a tight group and being able to share that with Dalts is amazing.
“It’s that pride in the jersey and we’ll all be behind Dalts and hopefully we can give him what we’d like to have after 80 minutes.”
Blues coach Vern Cotter during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Blues are coming off victory over the Force in Perth last week, having opened the season with a narrow loss to the Chiefs at Eden Park.
Prop Joshua Fusitu’a ruled out with injury, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi moving to loosehead prop while Kurt Eklund comes in to start at hooker.
Lock Sam Darry has recovered from a head knock and returns to the starting XV while the backline remains unchanged for the third straight game.
Cotter said the Brumbies have impressed in big wins on the road over the Force and Crusaders.
“The Brumbies were very good in the second half against the Force and then obviously the last minutes against the Crusaders really hurt them,” he said.
“They’ll be full of concidence. Bear in mind, they came over and beat us last year at home so we’d like to sort a few things out with regard to that. So I think the boys will be up for it.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
