Papalii in as All Blacks shuffle pack for second Ireland Test

DUNEDIN, AFP: Coach Ian Foster admitted yesterday that New Zealand’s set-piece play could be compromised by fielding a smaller, more mobile, forward pack after he brought in flanker Dalton Papalii as his only All Blacks change for the second Test against Ireland.

Foster praised the dynamic attributes of Papalii, who replaces veteran lock Sam Whitelock and will win his 14th All Blacks cap on the blindside, with Scott Barrett moving to the second row for Saturday’s match in Dunedin.

“Dalton’s a tough rugby player. He’s physical in the tackle and he’s quick,” said Foster.

“Remember, it’s a hard ground under a roof so expect the game to be fast.” Whitelock was ruled out after suffering delayed symptoms of concussion following last week’s 42-19 first Test win in Auckland.

Foster said his preference would have been to retain Barrett in the back row after the experimental selection worked well in a powerful pack display last week.

However, his hand was forced when another lock, Tupou Vaa’i dropped from contention after testing positive to Covid-19, meaning Barrett has to revert to a more familiar role in the second row.

It means the back row, also featuring captain Sam Cane and the outstanding player of the first Test, Ardie Savea, comprises three players who have spent most of their careers as openside flankers.

With New Zealand having held the upper hand in the scrum and lineout at Eden Park, Foster accepted there was a chance their lighter pack could cede some of that advantage.

“It just gives us a different dynamic but clearly set piece will be a little bit affected,” Foster said.