Jeff Wilson and Steven Bates believe that Leicester Fainga’anuku’s versatility will be hugely beneficial to the All Blacks but James Parsons has sounded a word of caution.

The 26-year-old centre and wing returned to New Zealand last year after a stint at Toulon where the French outfit experimented by sometimes moving him into the pack in the second half of matches.

Hybrid players remain rare but teams are beginning to trial it more often, and do so with some success. Andre Esterhuizen has played in both the midfield and back-row for the Springboks while Ben Earl has filled in at centre for England.

Fainga’anuku could be the latest to be used in that way at Test level having seen the Crusaders continue Toulon’s experiment during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

All Blacks midfield options

Appearing on The Breakdown, Wilson initially began the discussion by talking about the All Blacks’ midfield options, but matters soon moved on to how Dave Rennie could utilise Fainga’anuku.

“Billy Proctor was awesome in Wellington and last year it was a tough transition into the the All Blacks,” he said.

“He had some moments, wasn’t able to put the complete performance together but with the way Quinn’s [Tupaea] playing, and he’s been outstanding for the Chiefs, and of course I think Jordie’s in outstanding form, and then you’ve got where Leicester Fainga’anuku fits in and that’s got midfield, wing or number eight written all over it right now, which is exciting.

“I look at this group and I really like where the midfield sits and what we’ve got.”

There has been a trend over the past few years for countries to follow the Springboks’ example and select forward-heavy benches.

The All Blacks have been reluctant to veer away from the traditional 5-3 split given the vast amount of talent they have behind the scrum, but Fainga’anuku could allow them to combat South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’.

“The ability to move into the forwards gives us great versatility off the bench,” Bates said. “I’m not saying he’s on the bench, I’m not saying he’s not starting, but the ability to have a guy, especially when we’re playing South Africa who run out the ‘Bomb Squad’, who can cover many positions is outstanding for us.

“He’s got to keep playing in Super Rugby but that’s the next level we’ve got. For a New Zealander, there’s no level between Test rugby and Super Rugby, so he’s played well there and that’s the best he can play at the moment.”

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Why it might not work

Former All Blacks and Blues hooker Parsons wasn’t quite as convinced, although he very much expects the new head coach to consider it.

Parsons is worried that having Fainga’anuku in the forwards would upset the balance of the pack and hamper some of the key technical aspects.

“Dave Rennie does love innovation so I don’t think he would look away from it. I think the big area of Test match footy is it could mess with your lineout and you’ve got to win your set-piece,” he said.

“The other thing is that games are won and lost at the breakdown.”

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