Snubbed All Blacks forward makes blunt admission on the ‘difference’ in Scott Robertson’s coaching style compared to his predecessors

Dalton Papali’i has admitted that there was a “big difference” in ex-All Blacks boss Scott Robertson’s coaching style compared to that of his predecessors.

Robertson was dismissed from his position last month just two years into a four-year contract. This followed a review by the governing body into the 2025 Test season, headed by NZR chairman David Kirk.

It was eventually decided it was best to part ways with Robertson, who took over the reins as All Blacks boss from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Openside flanker Papali’i, who will captain the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday, made his All Blacks debut against Japan in 2018 under the guidance of former head coach Steve Hansen.

All Blacks regular under Ian Foster

Although he missed out on selection for New Zealand’s 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan, Papali’i became a regular in the All Blacks’ matchday squads when Foster replaced Hansen in 2020 and won the bulk of his 37 Test caps between that year and the 2023 global showpiece in France.

Robertson took over the All Blacks’ coaching reins in 2024 and Papali’i was initially still in the selection mix at Test level but only made one appearance for the three-time world champions in 2025.

When drawing a comparison between his three All Blacks coaches, the 28-year-old revealed that Robertson’s approach was quite different to Hansen and Foster’s.

“I was there when Shag (Steve Hansen) and Fozzie (Ian Foster) were there holding the helm. Seeing it change to Razor’s agenda (Robertson), you could see there was a big difference,” Papali’i told 1News.

“People spoke up and they had to have a review. We followed that process… I don’t really want to speak too much on that. What happened, happened.”

Papali’i’s only All Blacks appearance of 2025 was when he came on as a replacement in their 29-19 victory over France in Hamilton which sealed a 3-0 series triumph.

All Blacks’ breakout star to miss entire Super Rugby Pacific season in massive blow

He was not included in New Zealand’s squads for the Rugby Championship or their end-of-year tour but was handed a lifeline when he was named as the All Blacks XV’s captain for their three-match tour of Europe.

With Jamie Joseph, who is the favourite to replace Robertson, in charge of the All Blacks XV, Papali’i thrived and they eventually clinched impressive victories over the Barbarians, England A and Uruguay.

‘I felt like I was back to my old self’

“I really had a good relationship with Jamie Jo and I felt like I was back to my old self,” said Papali’i. “I feel like I play better with the weight of being a leader. Going into the ABs XV, I got that role back again, the captaincy, and I took it with both hands.

“I enjoyed it and felt like I played well again. Everyone bought into the culture and it was a credit to Jamie Jo and the coaches. They set up the environment for everyone to be at their best and I loved it.”

After becoming a father last year, Papali’i revealed that his new responsibility is contributing to his thinking around the final two seasons of his current contract with New Zealand Rugby. “I’ve been here for nine years or so. I have a lot of things in perspective now,” he said.

“I want to grow the family, and you hear a lot of people heading overseas to help their financial side out. This is home for me, where I grew up and I want to leave the jersey in a better place. I’m still weighing it up.”

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