‘You never know’: Leicester Fainga’anuku embracing All Blacks role before RWC

When the All Blacks revealed their 33-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup on Monday, not many fans would’ve been surprised to see Leicester Fainga’anuku among the outside backs.

Fainga’anuku had missed the entire Rugby Championship with an injury, but starred in his return to the Test arena against the Wallabies in Dunedin.

Lining up on the left wing, Fainga’anuku finished with the most carries out of any All Black (21) and the equal-most line breaks with two.

In his one and only World Cup audition, the utility made a statement that All Blacks selectors couldn’t possibly ignore. Fainga’anuku needed to be on that plane to France.

Selected as one of the five outside backs in the squad, Fainga’anuku is also set to provide cover in the midfield. The 23-year-old has played plenty of rugby at outside centre for the Crusaders.

“It’s been part of my preparation through Super Rugby,” Fainga’anuku told Newshub. “The ability and capability to cover midfield and wing is an awesome asset to have as a player.

“For me, nothing changes – even in this environment. It’s an opportunity for me to make sure I have those skill sets in my toolbox and take a step forward if the team needs (it).

“I might even get the call-up to loose – you never know.”

Fainga’anuku didn’t travel to Argentina with the All Blacks ahead of their opening Test of the year, and injuries continued to dampen his World Cup dream – or so it seemed.

After focusing on “getting my body right” for Test rugby, Fainga’anuku helped inspire the All Blacks’ valiant comeback against Australia at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“Lucky enough, Fozzie (coach Ian Foster), the physio and the doctor have given me time to heal, get to 100 per cent to give myself the best opportunity to make the squad,” he added.

“I had the opportunity down in Dunedin to do that and dust a few cobwebs at the same time as enjoying a bit of footy.”

The All Blacks will play arch-rivals South Africa at Twickenham later this month. That Test is their final opportunity to play before their World Cup opener against France next month.