Fainga'anuku to play hybrid role on All Blacks northern tour

Leicester Fainga’anuku has been named in the 36-man All Blacks squad for the upcoming Nations Championship tour of the United Kingdom. The 27-year-old will serve in a hybrid role, covering midfield, wing, and loose forward positions. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie noted that this versatility could allow the team to utilise a 6-2 bench split.

Fainga’anuku is returning to the national side for the first time in nearly a year. He was previously sidelined from the South Africa tour due to a fibula fracture and ankle sprain sustained during a Super Rugby semi-final in June. His recent return to rugby with Tasman included a brief stoppage for a head-injury assessment.

The player expressed pride in his versatility, stating, “A hybrid’s definitely the title, something I take pride in”. He described the experience of wearing the national jersey, saying, “one thing I realised is that black jersey does something special to you when you put it on, and almost gives you superpowers to go out there and do your thing”.

The tour includes fixtures against Scotland, Wales, and England, with an additional opponent to be determined. Fainga’anuku may be unlikely to feature in the first assignment against Scotland in Edinburgh on 8 November as he builds fitness. Fellow Crusaders players George Bell and Christian Lio-Willie have also been named in the squad.

How it developed

• Fri 30 Oct, 4:42amFainga'anuku is noted as having played 12 tests and may be unavailable for the first match against Scotland while building fitness.
• Fri 30 Oct, 4:11pmAnalysis suggests Fainga'anuku is more likely to be used as an impact replacement rather than a starting openside flanker.
• Sat 31 Oct, 4:00amChristian Lio-Willie's recall is detailed, noting he replaces Du’Plessis Kirifi and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa in the loose forward group.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on whether Fainga'anuku was named as a midfielder or a loose forward by his respective teams

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ, Stuff and The Post.