“So he’s certainly someone who would generally look towards the end-of-year tour if he goes well over the next few weeks, but him staying and playing in Tasman would be good for him, be good for them and give us a bit of clarity that he’s ready to go for an end-of-year tour.”
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s return to play with Tasman in the NPC has seen him used more as a flanker than a midfielder or wing. Photo / Photosport
Fainga’anuku started on the bench for Tasman in their 45-26 victory over Bay of Plenty, but came on at halftime to replace Rory Scott at flanker.
Rennie said that he would have liked to have taken Fainga’anuku to South Africa, in part because of his versatility.
“He could definitely play a hybrid role, we talked about the fact that if he’d have been available for South Africa, he’d be gold because he can cover midfield, cover wing, cover loose forward, and we’d end up potentially with a 6-2 split.”
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie revealed to Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB how he would use Leicester Fainga’anuku. Photo / Zach Lowe
The 26-year-old started in the No 7 jersey for the Tasman Mako against Waikato, but was forced off at the 26-minute mark with a head injury assessment (HIA) test and didn’t return to the field.
His side went on to produce a 50-33 victory, with winger Kyren Taumoefolau running in four tries to take his tally for the season to 18, a new NPC record.