All Blacks utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku, traditionally known for his prowess on the wing or at centre, has recently embraced the openside flank role for the Crusaders with notable enthusiasm and success. In a surprising tactical move by Crusaders head coach Rob Penney, Fainga'anuku was deployed in the number seven jersey during the Super Round against the Waratahs, a decision that not only paid off with a 35-20 victory but also showcased Fainga’anuku's adaptability and skill in this new position.
Fainga’anuku's performance was so compelling that he retained his spot for the subsequent game against the Hurricanes. Despite a 38-31 defeat, his individual brilliance did not go unnoticed as he added another try to his tally. The shift from backline to forward pack is a testament to his versatility, a quality that Crusaders forwards coach Dan Perrin highlighted. "He’s an impressive footballer and human isn’t he? His effort around the field on phase play on both attack and defence is phenomenal," Perrin remarked, praising Fainga’anuku's rapid adjustment to the forward role.
"I’ll play anywhere really, I don’t mind. At this stage, I might find myself at halfback next week. That’s all up to the coaches. I just do the job. Whatever they want, I put my hand up for it."
Fainga’anuku’s willingness to tackle new challenges is not just a display of his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude. "It’s not an easy job to slip in there at loose forward in a massive role – keeping in mind you don’t want to let the big boys down," he admitted, reflecting on the complexities of his role transition. His commitment to mastering both the backline plays and the gritty forward moves, including lineouts, underscores a player who is not only adapting but thriving in his hybrid role.
"He jumped in the lineout last week and is talking to the props at scrum time and giving them a bit of advice now as well. He’s a fast learner and knows the pictures he’s looking for. He’s all in on it,"
Perrin also noted that there's no pressure on Fainga’anuku to specialize in one position, envisioning a dual role where his talents can be fully utilized. This sentiment is part of a broader trend in rugby where the versatility of players like Fainga’anuku is increasingly valued. Players such as Andre Esterhuizen and Ben Earl have also successfully managed dual responsibilities for their national teams.
Fainga’anuku himself seems to relish this new chapter in his career, joking with teammates about his seamless transition. "I’ve been in the forwards for two weeks, but it feels like I’ve been there my whole career," he shared, a statement that speaks volumes about his swift adaptation and the physical demands of his new role. As the Crusaders prepare to host the Blues this Friday, all eyes will be on Fainga’anuku, a player who not only meets expectations but exceeds them, no matter where he lines up on the field.
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All Blacks utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku, traditionally known for his prowess on the wing or at centre, has recently embraced the openside flank role for the Crusaders with notable enthusiasm and success. In a surprising tactical move by Crusaders head coach Rob Penney, Fainga'anuku was deployed in the number seven jersey during the Super Round against the Waratahs, a decision that not only paid off with a 35-20 victory but also showcased Fainga’anuku's adaptability and skill in this new position.
Fainga’anuku's performance was so compelling that he retained his spot for the subsequent game against the Hurricanes. Despite a 38-31 defeat, his individual brilliance did not go unnoticed as he added another try to his tally. The shift from backline to forward pack is a testament to his versatility, a quality that Crusaders forwards coach Dan Perrin highlighted. "He’s an impressive footballer and human isn’t he? His effort around the field on phase play on both attack and defence is phenomenal," Perrin remarked, praising Fainga’anuku's rapid adjustment to the forward role.
"I’ll play anywhere really, I don’t mind. At this stage, I might find myself at halfback next week. That’s all up to the coaches. I just do the job. Whatever they want, I put my hand up for it."
Fainga’anuku’s willingness to tackle new challenges is not just a display of his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude. "It’s not an easy job to slip in there at loose forward in a massive role – keeping in mind you don’t want to let the big boys down," he admitted, reflecting on the complexities of his role transition. His commitment to mastering both the backline plays and the gritty forward moves, including lineouts, underscores a player who is not only adapting but thriving in his hybrid role.
"He jumped in the lineout last week and is talking to the props at scrum time and giving them a bit of advice now as well. He’s a fast learner and knows the pictures he’s looking for. He’s all in on it,"
Perrin also noted that there's no pressure on Fainga’anuku to specialize in one position, envisioning a dual role where his talents can be fully utilized. This sentiment is part of a broader trend in rugby where the versatility of players like Fainga’anuku is increasingly valued. Players such as Andre Esterhuizen and Ben Earl have also successfully managed dual responsibilities for their national teams.
Fainga’anuku himself seems to relish this new chapter in his career, joking with teammates about his seamless transition. "I’ve been in the forwards for two weeks, but it feels like I’ve been there my whole career," he shared, a statement that speaks volumes about his swift adaptation and the physical demands of his new role. As the Crusaders prepare to host the Blues this Friday, all eyes will be on Fainga’anuku, a player who not only meets expectations but exceeds them, no matter where he lines up on the field.