Dalton Papali'i

Few openside flankers in New Zealand rugby match the breakdown menace of Dalton Papali'i. Born on 11 October 1997, the All Blacks loose forward has built his reputation on a relentless defensive work rate and a knack for winning turnovers at crucial moments. A mainstay of the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific, he was part of the squad's Trans-Tasman title successes in 2021 and 2022, providing both physical edge and intelligent link play among the loose forwards. Papali'i thrives in the contact area, where his timing over the ball and counter-rucking force opponents into errors and slow possession. Beyond his jackal work, he carries strongly, tackles with conviction and reads the game like a defensive captain, organising those around him and plugging gaps before they open. His durability and consistency have made him one of the first names on the Blues team sheet, and his international experience adds further authority to a back row that prizes work rate above all. For New Zealand, he offers a proven option at openside, equally comfortable disrupting an opposition attack or supporting his own ball-carriers in the wide channels.