Leicester Fainga'anuku named to start at flanker for Crusaders

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has selected Leicester Fainga’anuku to start at openside flanker against the Waratahs.

The shock selection comes as Braydon Ennor returns from a hamstring injury and is named to start at centre, while impressive rookie Johnny Lee is moved to the bench as loose forward cover.

Fainga’anuku began his professional rugby career as a winger, transitioning to the midfield during his two-year stint in France with Toulon, while progressively earning some late-game minutes in the loose forwards. That trend has continued in the 26-year-old’s return to the Crusaders, where he has been primarily employed in the midfield before featuring at the back of the scrum in the final quarter of recent outings.

This will be Fainga’anuku’s first start in the loose forward trio.

“Leicester’s been keen to explore that opportunity,” said Penney.

“This stadium felt like the right place to do it. He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he’ll add real value against this opposition.”

With Super Round bringing all teams except the Western Force (bye week) to Christchurch’s brand-new one New Zealand Stadium, it will be a huge occasion for the home team.

“It’s real beautiful and a great representation of our region. This place has become the heart of the city, and it’s something our people deserve,” said Fainga’anuku.

“From the moment we heard about the new build and what it means to us and our people, it gets you excited,” Fainga’anuku says.

“Now it’s finally here, we’re just ready to get into it and put on a good show.”

The other big news from the team naming is the return of Codie Taylor, who has been named to start at hooker, and Kyle Preston as reserve halfback.

Team Form

Last 5 Games

49 - 12

52 - 31

47 - 14

36 - 32

36 - 20

31 - 25

14 - 21

35 - 50

31 - 26

17 - 20

4

Wins

1

1

Streak

2

29

Tries Scored

19

37

Points Difference

-6

2/5

First Try

3/5

1/5

First Points

2/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

Crusaders team to face the Waratahs

1. Finlay Brewis
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Tahlor Cahill
6. Dom Gardiner
7. Leicester Fainga’anuku
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Macca Springer
12. David Havili (C)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

16. George Bell
17. George Bower
18. Seb Calder
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Johnny Lee
21. Kyle Preston
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Dallas McLeod

Injury list

Ethan BLACKADDER, Calf, 1 week
Liam JACK:  Hamstring, 1 week
Will JORDAN: Calf, 3-5 weeks
Chay FIHAKI, Hamstring, 4-6 weeks
Will TUCKER: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, Unclear
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS, Discitis, out for the season