A versatile All Black is ready to make his comeback from a three-month injury layoff, with the Bledisloe Cup looming.
Leicester Fainga’anuku will return for Tasman against Bay of Plenty in Nelson on Thursday, when he is expected to be named among the replacements.
The 26-year-old has not played since suffering a fractured fibula and high ankle sprain while representing the Crusaders in their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Chiefs on 12 June.
The injury denied Fainga’anuku an opportunity to feature in the All Blacks’ Nations Championship campaign and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks.
His comeback comes at an opportune time, with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie preparing to name a 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies in Auckland and Sydney on 10 and 17 October.
Fainga’anuku has traditionally operated at wing and outside centre, but added another string to his bow this season when Crusaders coach Rob Penney used him at flank.
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Rennie praised that versatility earlier this year.
“I’ve been really impressed with the fact that from a work ethic point of view, he’s carrying a lot, he’s stealing a lot of ball and so on,” Rennie said.
“So, I know there’s a lot to refine there in his game as a seven, but his ability to play out on the edge as a winger or No 7 gives you genuine versatility in your squad.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post All Black set for NPC return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A versatile All Black is ready to make his comeback from a three-month injury layoff, with the Bledisloe Cup looming.
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