As rugby continues to evolve with strategic nuances, Will Jordan, All Blacks full-back, shares insights on the Crusaders' latest tactical innovation. This season, under the guidance of attack coach James Marshall, Leicester Fainga’anuku is set to challenge traditional playing roles by operating as a hybrid player—switching between backline and forward positions, reminiscent of strategies employed by Springboks under Rassie Erasmus.
Fainga’anuku, typically known for his roles on the wing or at centre, will explore stints within the forwards during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. This approach isn't entirely new to him; during his tenure in France with Toulon, Fainga’anuku showcased his capability to adapt to forward positions. "Leicester’s spending a little bit of time in there. I think going back to when he was in France, he was doing that. He’s got the physical nature to be able to play in the forwards," Jordan explained in a conversation with Sport Nation.
"He’s starting on the wing this week, so it’s definitely a case of he’s a back but has the added bonus of potentially changing things up and putting him into the loose forwards."
This tactical flexibility could potentially influence future selections for the All Blacks, especially if Fainga’anuku proves successful in his dual role. Echoing the Springboks' utilization of Andre Esterhuizen as both a back and forward, Fainga’anuku's power and close-quarter carrying could provide strategic depth, particularly near the ruck—a tactic that brought him considerable gain line success upon his return to the New Zealand setup last year.
The rugby landscape is witnessing a shift towards such innovative strategies, with teams like England adopting the South African model of a 6/2 split on the bench to accommodate versatile players. Jordan acknowledges the need to stay ahead in the game, "Certainly you want to be ahead of the curve in finding ways to be innovative."
As the rulebook evolves, the Crusaders' experiment with Fainga’anuku may just set a precedent, offering a glimpse into the future of rugby where player roles are more fluid, challenging conventional boundaries and enhancing the dynamism of the game.