But the strapping loose forward is also eager to replicate some of the intensity of one of his early mentors and one of the great All Blacks enforcers.
Papalii (24) will play his 14th test against the Irish at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
It will be his 10th start in the black jersey but his first in the No 6 jersey — all nine of his previous test starts have been in his specialist openside position, most coming last year while captain Sam Cane was injured.
"To be honest, I haven’t really played much six this year," Papalii said yesterday.
"But nothing really changes for me, mentally or physically.
"Maybe it’s just more of a different role around the field. But I’m looking forward to that challenge."
Papalii changes the mix of the All Blacks loose forwards quite significantly as he replaces the bruising Scott Barrett, who returns to his more familiar spot in the second row.
The Blues captain is more about speed and relentless work at the breakdown. But he is no shrinking violet, and he has the ideal example to follow.
"I want to play my own game, add my own flavour to the six jersey, and leave a bit of a legacy in my name in that jersey.
"I followed a guy like Jerome Kaino growing up, watching him then actually playing with him at the Blues, so I got a few tips off him.
"Everyone says the jersey isn’t yours — you are just carrying it on and leaving your legacy.
"This is an opportunity for me to put a stamp on the six jersey."
Papalii said his main concern was just doing the basics right to contribute to a forward pack that is expecting another torrid night from the Irish.
But he is aware the grunt work might need to be followed by some tough stuff in the shadows.
"I think it’s more of a hitman role . . . So I’ve just got to try to smack someone early on."
To confirm, yes, Papalii was smiling when he said that last line.
He was tucked in next to All Blacks talisman Brodie Retallick at the team’s media session yesterday.
Back in the team room was another lock for whom Papalii has a lot of time.
He said it was fantastic to see former Blues team-mate Patrick Tuipolotu — who has been on sabbatical in Japan but received special dispensation from New Zealand Rugby to play in this test when three locks were ruled out with injury or Covid — back in the All Blacks.
"Yeah, I’ve missed him, eh.
"I’ve built a good relationship with Patrick. He’s always looked out for the young fellas coming through.
"I respect him hugely, and seeing his face coming into this environment has really lifted the morale. It’s awesome to have him back."
