Dalton Papali'i aware of the No.7 legacy
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Young flanker Dalton Papali'i is well aware of the responsibility he faces when starting his debut Test for the All Blacks as a flanker sporting the No.7 jersey against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
The Iconic jersey is one of the most enduring in the All Blacks history with the likes of Richie McCaw and Michael Jones donning the jersey in the past.
"Looking at that jersey [No.7] I'm filling some big shoes. The best player in the world has played in that position – Richie McCaw. I'm dreaming of the moment just before kick-off and I'm putting it on. I don't know what's going to happen…a lot of emotions, but it's a special feeling," he said.
"I want to try and do my bit for that jersey and go from there."
Papali'i has enjoyed a rapid rise to the All Black jersey having made his Super Rugby debut late last year and entered his full Super Rugby season earlier this year.
"You dream all your life about being in this position. Every little kid growing up wants to be in this position to hear your name being called out," he said.
Having Blues teammates alongside had made the transition easier, especially around getting into the culture of the All Blacks so quickly.
"So even though it's a first time, it's a special occasion but when you go out there standards don't change," he said.