All Blacks star makes shock positional switch as New Zealand’s hybrid player innovation takes next step
Leicester Fainga'anuku in action for the Crusaders and All Blacks.
Leicester Fainga’anuku will start in the back-row when the Crusaders take on the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific this weekend.
The encounter sees the opening of their new ground in Christchurch, the One NZ Stadium, and head coach Rob Penney has made a bold call to mark it.
Fainga’anuku will line up at openside flanker in a decision which could also shape Dave Rennie’s thinking when the All Blacks’ Test season begins in July.
The 26-year-old has already shifted into the pack on occasion this season, and also at previous club Toulon, but he has always started the game in the backline.
This is the first official time he will start in the forward eight as he partners Dom Gardiner and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose trio.
‘Loves pressure moments’
“Leicester’s been keen to explore that opportunity,” Penney said.
“This stadium felt like the right place to do it. He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he’ll add real value against this opposition.”
Hybrid players are becoming more common, with Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus using Andre Esterhuizen in the pack, but unlike Fainga’anuku, he has never started there.
The All Blacks star is looking to produce a performance in his new position as they play at their new stadium for the first time.
“It’s really beautiful and a great representation of our region. This place has become the heart of the city, and it’s something our people deserve,” he said.
“From the moment we heard about the new build and what it means to us and our people, it gets you excited. Now it’s finally here, we’re just ready to get into it and put on a good show.”
New centre partnership
With Fainga’anuku shifting from centre, Braydon Ennor partners captain David Havili in the midfield, while Macca Springer lines up in the 26-year-old’s other potential position on the left wing.
Springer is joined in the back three by Sevu Reece and Johnny McNicholl, with half-backs Taha Kemara and Noah Hotham completing the backline.
Meanwhile, the front five has been bolstered by All Blacks Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor, with Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon and Finlay Brewis also starting.
They look to get their season back on track after two poor defeats in Australia, and they hope the new stadium can provide them with the inspiration they need.
“It’s been a long wait, but it’s been worth the wait. Training’s been crisp, there’s a real buzz about the place, and that usually tells you the boys are looking forward to unleashing,” Penney added.
“It’s already a special place. Once it’s full and people feel the experience of being in a world-class stadium, it’ll gather momentum very quickly. It’s something that will grow as the games unfold.”
Crusaders team to face Waratahs
Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Macca Springer, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Finlay Brewis
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Johnny Lee, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Dallas McLeod
Date: Friday, April 24
Venue: One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe, Damon Murphy
TMO: Brett Cronan