'I just hope to bring some X-factor': Fineanganofo on first start for All Blacks

Fehi Fineanganofo was perhaps the biggest breakout star of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, and now, five months later, he’s been named for his first start in an All Blacks jersey.

Along with 24 clean breaks and 50 defenders beaten across his eye-catching Super Rugby campaign, Fineanganofo claimed the single-season try-scoring record in style with his 17th and final five-pointer in a 60-5 rout of the Chiefs in the grand final.

The 24-year-old has come through a concussion, a hamstring injury, renegotiated his contract with Newcastle Red Bulls to ensure his All Blacks eligibility for next year’s Rugby World Cup, and made his All Blacks debut off the bench in those five months since. All of it has culminated in this weekend’s opportunity in the No.14 jersey.

The softly-spoken speedster said it’s “very pleasing and very exciting” to get his chance after a season with some “ups and downs”.

“I guess it’s just as special as a debut, your first start. I’m just excited to get out there,” he told reporters in Cardiff.

Fineanganofo said he had “definitely” been itching to get back out on the field while watching on during Tests against Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Scotland. But now he’s back in the selection picture and he knows exactly what he wants to bring to the game.

“I just hope to bring some X-factor, some power, speed. So hopefully do that on the weekend – and hopefully some tries.”

After his debut in Christchurch earlier this year, he admitted to throwing up at halftime because his nerves were so intense. And while he has played just those 12 minutes in his Test career to date, the little experience the former All Blacks Sevens ace does have to lean on has been enough to set expectations.

“There’s a lot of speed, a lot of physicality (in Test rugby). I guess I just want another taste of that physicality this weekend and to test myself,” he said.

He’ll be tasked with managing one of the biggest attacking threats in the modern game: the contestable kicks. New Zealand’s retreating contest strategy usually places the emphasis on the wingers to turn and run back to contest high balls in the air, so they can leave their fullback in the backfield to collect loose balls or tackle any opponent who may win possession.

Fineanganofo is expecting Wales to keep him busy with their attacking kicks in Cardiff.

“We’ve done a bit of a preview of their kicks, and most of them are contestable. So hopefully I can get them back for the team.”