Source: Radio New Zealand
Dalton Papalii. Photosport / John Davidson
Blues v Chiefs
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February
Eden Park, Auckland
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Dalton Papali’i has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his relationship with former All Black coach Scott Robertson.
Speaking to 1News at Blues training on Tuesday, Papali’i said there was a “big difference” in Robertson’s coaching style to previous regimes.
“I was there when Shag (Steve Hansen) and Fozzie (Ian Foster) were there holding the helm. Seeing it change to Razor’s agenda – you could see there was a big difference,” said Papali’i.
“People spoke up and they had to have a review. We followed that process … I don’t really want to speak too much on that. What happened, happened.”
Papali’i only played one test in 2025, off the bench in the third test against France. He was selected for the All Blacks XV for their successful three-match end of year tour, being named captain by coach Jamie Joseph.
Scott Robertson. SANKA VIDANAGAMA
“I really had a good relationship with Jamie Jo and … I felt like I was back to my old self,” he said.
“I feel like I play better with the weight of being a leader. Going into the ABs XV, I got that role back again, the captaincy, and I took it with both hands. I enjoyed it and felt like I played well again. Everyone bought into the culture and it was a credit to Jamie Jo and the coaches. They set up the environment for everyone to be at their best and I loved it.”
Jamie Joseph Coach of the Highlanders © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
The 28-year-old became a father last year, and said that new responsibility is shaping his thinking around seeing out the last two seasons of his contract with NZ Rugby.
“I’ve been here for nine years or so … I have a lot of things in perspective now,” he said.
“I want to grow the family, and you hear a lot of people heading overseas to help their financial side out. This is home for me, where I grew up and I want to leave the jersey in a better place. I’m still weighing it up.”
The Blues open their season on Saturday night against the Chiefs at Eden Park.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand