All Blacks outside-back Leicester Fainga’anuku to start in the forwards

Another step in the evolution of Leicester Fainga'anuku.

The Crusaders and All Blacks star has been named at openside flanker for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs, marking the first time in his professional career he'll wear the number seven jersey.

Fainga'anuku revealed to the DSPN Podcast last year that he was keen to establish himself as a hybrid player who can play in the outside backs as well as the loose-forwards.

"I think it's a bit more fun in the forwards, you get to do a bit more of the dirty work instead of the sort of the flash stuff, so I quite like it in there".

The move to the side of the scrum won’t be totally foreign for Fainga’anuku, who’s already familiar with the physical demands of the role from his time at Toulon.

"I've played there a few times obviously over in France and a few times here in the first half of the season in Super, so yeah, it's a place I'm familiar-wise". Fainganuku said from training at the new stadium in Christchurch.

"One thing I've always prided myself on is being a toolbox for any job".

To prepare for the technical requirements of the breakdown, Fainga’anuku has been working closely with assistant coach and former openside flanker Matt Todd. 

"He's quite good, he's sort of all over both backs and forwards, it's something he demands quite highly, the opportunities around the breakdown and also ball carriers".

Head coach Rob Penney confirmed that the selection was driven by the player's own ambitions.

"Leicester's been keen to explore that opportunity more and more. We thought under the stadium was a really apt place, he's played in big stadiums before, loves pressure moments, loves the limelight, wants to be part of it".

Fainga'anuku also reflected on the importance of the venue for the local community.

"I think this place has pretty much become the heart of the city and I think it's something that our people deserve".

The Crusaders are also boosted by the return of captain David Havili and hooker Codie Taylor from injury.

Lock Scott Barrett is also nearing a return from his sabbatical while fullback Will Jordan and flanker Ethan Blackadder could both be back in the next week or two.