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Dave Rennie praises Leicester Fainga’anuku’s impressive transition to openside flanker, while confirming Brodie Retallick will not return to the All Blacks this year.
Stay tuned to understand how these developments impact New Zealand's rugby landscape.
Rennie, who recently took over as head coach, highlights Fainga’anuku’s strong performances for the Crusaders against the Waratahs, Hurricanes, and Blues. The 26-year-old, traditionally a winger or midfielder, has shown exceptional adaptability, making a significant impact on the field. Rennie notes, “He’s gone well... he’s carrying a lot, he’s stealing a lot of ball.” His versatility could be a game-changer for the All Blacks, especially in a six-two bench split scenario.
On Retallick, the 34-year-old lock remains unavailable for selection after retiring from Test rugby post-2023 Rugby World Cup. Currently with Kobe Steelers, he falls under New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility rules, which complicate his return. Rennie acknowledges Retallick's contributions and expresses hope for a future collaboration, but emphasizes the challenges of long-distance travel for the veteran. Despite Retallick's outstanding performance in Japan, including recognition as a top try-scorer, Rennie confirms he won't be donning the All Blacks jersey in 2026.
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