Dalton Papali’i says All Blacks are ‘going to the well’ in bid to topple South Africa in World Cup final

Dalton Papali’i insists New Zealand are "going to the well" in their pursuit of a record fourth Rugby World Cup crown against South Africa in Paris.

The All Blacks came into rugby’s showpiece event as the world’s fourth-ranked side having suffered a sobering defeat against the Springboks in their final warm-up game, before Ian Foster’s side lost to hosts France on the opening night of the tournament.

Since then, however, the three-time champions have found form, beating Ireland in an epic quarter-final clash for the ages, and swatting aside Argentina in the semis.

Flanker Papali’i came off the bench to replace captain Sam Cane in those fixtures and praised the senior members of the squad for addressing the group ahead of what will be a record fifth World Cup final for the All Blacks.

“It was quite special to hear some of the things those certain players said from the heart,” he said. “You know, you think you know someone but once they open up and really be vulnerable in front of a team, it was quite special to hear.

“It was truly something special when you hear those boys open up. You know those leaders have been through a lot in their careers, the highs and the lows, the off-field and on-field stuff, and for them to open up, it sort of makes you feel welcomed, and you want to play this game for them.

“There were a few tears and I think that's awesome to see, players showing vulnerability, just opening up about how much this tour and this sort of game means.

“There were some saying this is probably one of the most important games of All Blacks history. [The] All Blacks went through a bit of a hard path to get here, media, friends, family even criticising us and all that, and we stuck together. We weren't even said to be in the final and now look at us, we're here.

“Different players take it differently and some of the older players probably were hit a little bit harder and it was good to see just a bit of emotion and the want from them.

“Seeing that gives all the other players an extra two, three per cent to think, ‘OK, we are going to the well and we've got to give it our all’.”

If New Zealand are to prevail, they will need to find a way to defuse South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’, the name given to the group of forwards renowned for making a devastating impact off the Springboks’ bench.

Papali’i is well aware of the size of the task and added the All Blacks bench must be prepared to “give them hell” in response.

“Talking about the Bomb Squad, they've proven themselves,” he added. “They can come on and change the game like that.

“Whoever's on the [New Zealand] bench, they need to really be screwed on up top and give them hell.”

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