Watch: Leicester Fainga’anuku powers over to score after shock flanker move

Leicester Fainga’anuku carried two capped Wallabies over the line to score a crucial try for the Crusaders in a 35-20 win over the NSW Waratahs, producing the highlight play in a stunning starting debut as an openside flanker.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney made the selection shock of the season this week, naming an All Blacks centre in the backrow. This decision added to the Super Round hype, with the opener serving as the debut event for Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium.

Richie McCaw, Matt Todd and Tom Christie are among the famous Crusaders to have worn the iconic No. 7 jersey, but on Friday night, it was Fainga’anuku’s turn. Fainga’anuku has played some minutes in the loose forwards before but has never featured there in the run-on side.

Fainga’anuku had the equal second-most carries and a team-high running metres during the first 40 minutes, which saw the utility deliver some outrageous offloads as well. With thousands watching on at the state-of-the-art venue, the Crusaders took a 14-13 lead into the break.

Dallas McLeod and Codie Taylor crossed for a try each during the first term, while the rookie Sid Harvey scored all of NSW’s points. But Fainga’anuku helped the Crusaders run away with it during the second half, following a yellow card to Ioane Moananu.

The 26-year-old picked up the ball about four metres out from the line, charging into an initial tackle attempt from Tahs captain Matt Philip. Philip had some help from former Crusader Pete Samu, but the duo couldn’t stop Fainga’anuku from crashing over.

 

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That capped off an impressive shift into the forwards for Fainga’anuku, who initially started out as a winger with the Crusaders in 2019. Fainga’anuku would later start on the edge on debut for the All Blacks against Ireland in 2022, with the hosts winning that match at Eden Park.

Fainga’anuku represented the All Blacks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup before linking up with Top 14 juggernauts Toulon. In France, Fainga’anuku was almost exclusively named as a centre, while playing some minutes in the loose forwards late in games.

After returning to New Zealand, Fainga’anuku made six starts on either the wing or at centre before moving into the forwards. Christian Lio-Willie and Dom Gardiner completed the backrow trio, with Fainga’anuku packing down at No. 8 in some scrums.

This win over the Waratahs will see the Crusaders maintain their position in the top six, ahead of a tough run home in the regular season. The defending Super Rugby Pacific champions still have the Hurricanes (twice), Blues and Chiefs to play in the round-robin.