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Leicester Fainga’anuku’s stunning performance at flanker for the Crusaders has drawn comparisons to rugby legend Jonah Lomu. Here’s why this hybrid experiment could redefine player roles in Super Rugby.
In a bold move, Crusaders coach Rob Penney shifted Fainga’anuku from his usual centre/wing position to the side of the scrum for their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Waratahs. The gamble proved successful, with the Crusaders securing a 35-20 victory and Fainga’anuku scoring a try. This marks the first time he played in the forwards in New Zealand, although he has experience in that role with RC Toulon.
Former All Black James Parsons weighs in on the decision, suggesting Fainga’anuku could have thrived at outside centre instead. He likens the strategy to the All Blacks’ past tactics with Lomu, emphasizing the importance of getting the ball into the hands of impact players. Parsons highlights that Fainga’anuku struggled at scrum time, indicating that tactical adjustments could have better supported him.
Despite the praise for Fainga’anuku, Parsons emphasizes the contributions of flanker Dom Gardner, who outperformed him in run meters. As the Crusaders experiment with player positions, the implications for the rest of the season could be significant.
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