'If needed, I'm there': Leicester Fainga'anuku ready for All Blacks challenge
Uncapped wing Leicester Fainga’anuku is excited to bring something new to the All Blacks camp as the side prepares to face Ireland in three tests next month.
After capturing the Super Rugby Pacific final title at Eden Park last weekend, the 22-year-old will join his new team on a high after a standout season with the Crusaders.
The Tasman product is confident knowing he has the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the country as he pushes for a potential All Blacks debut.
“I wouldn’t base too much off that [Super Rugby Pacific final], I think that the confidence that I get for myself is finding enjoyment in what I do and taking every opportunity as it comes,” Fainga’anuku told media on Tuesday.
“For me to be here and get the opportunity to grow alongside some of the best players in New Zealand, and coaches, that’s what gives me confidence. I understand they back my ability to be here, that’s all I really need.”
While many of his existing Crusaders teammates will join him in the squad, the blockbusting wing said there were too many quality players to learn off to highlight just one.
“It’s really hard to pick. I’m in a team filled with talent, filled with quality and, just in general, really good guys that I’m really excited to be a part of this journey with them, get out and represent this nation with them.”
Fainga’anuku, who was born in Tonga, expressed excitement at the opportunity to represent the nation where his family raised him, and hopes to be a part of an All Black side that makes New Zealand proud when they take on Ireland.
“I’m not a man that fears a few things in life, I think it is a whole lot of excitement for me to be here,” he said.
“The quality of players here that at the same time, we all have got one goal here which is to do this nation proud on the big stage, is all we are here for.
“Obviously we come from different franchises the last few weeks, to come as one as All Blacks, that is truly special. We are proud to put it on our shoulders and take on the world.
“I had a moment when the first team announcement came out, all I felt was truly grateful to be able to be named in the squad, reflecting the last few days how far I’ve come.
“What makes it really special to be here is the people that have always believed in me, since the day I picked up a rugby ball. That’s what always going to make every jersey special to me and every team I make, is the people behind me.”
Capable of also playing at centre, Fainga’anuku hasn’t discussed with coaches what role he’ll take, but he will likely compete for game time with returning Blues star Caleb Clarke and Crusaders teammates Will Jordan and Sevu Reece for the wing positions.
“I think there isn’t much the coaches want to change about me, it’s just keep building confidence. Obviously there is going to be areas to work on,” he said.
“There’s always something in your game that you want to grow and work on.
“I’ll find that myself during training weeks or games itself and take it on the chin, continuing growing my game.”
His positional versatility is something Fainga’anuku hopes to maintain as he made himself available to play in the midfield for the All Blacks if required.
“That’s a good question. I always like to showcase a new area of my game, and I guess that just opens up an option for the coaches to have a player that can cover both midfield and outside,” he said.
“I try to keep that consistent and keep growing that [versatility].
“If needed, I’m there to secure that 13 and also on the outside. It’s all about growth and I’ve got those tools in the toolbox ready to pull out when it’s needed.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Yet, according to Jake White and other twonks who think better, Jenkins shouldn’t be picked by the boks. Daft.
5 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
21 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
5 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
5 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to comments