Following his successful stint, Fainga’anuku has been slated to continue in the number seven jersey in a highly anticipated derby against the Hurricanes. Alongside teammates Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie, he forms a formidable loose trio. His role evolution from a dynamic backline player to a powerful forward highlights the strategic adaptability that modern rugby demands. "They’ve basically used him as a ball carrier and he’s a powerful ball carrier. He’s got good footwork and it’s a natural progression of the game to develop these hybrid players," Eddie Jones commented on the Rugby Unity podcast.
"Centres and back-rowers are quite similar, particularly if they’re playing in what’s called an edge role outside the centre of the field. I just think it’s the natural progression of the game."
Versatility is becoming increasingly essential in rugby, with fewer players confined to specialized roles, particularly outside the scrum's front five. Jones pointed out that even traditional positions like locks and props are seeing a shift, influenced by players such as Will Skelton and Emmanuel Meafou. This flexibility is especially evident in teams like France, where back-rowers often act as lineout jumpers and locks serve as primary ball carriers.
"The game of rugby has changed considerably that now in terms of the ball carries, it’s become such an important part of the game in order to generate quick rugby speed. You’re always looking to see how you can improve your carrying in the team and the centres generally have better footwork and if they’re a big guy, there’s no reason why they can’t play in the back-row," Jones elaborated.
When asked about potential changes in team structures due to the emergence of hybrid players, Jones provided an example from his own coaching experience. "Not greatly. We’ve got a guy in Japan called Tiennan Costley, who’s as quick as any winger but he plays in the back-row. Sometimes we start our campaigns with forwards and backs camps and he will spend a few days with the backs camp, which he enjoys – he doesn’t get beaten up like the forwards do."
This strategic flexibility not only enhances the game's dynamics but also challenges traditional rugby roles, suggesting a future where the distinction between backs and forwards could blur even further, enriching the sport with new layers of tactical depth.