Tasman’s Baby Blacks set off on World Cup mission

Last time he visited the northern hemisphere, Leicester Faingaanuku faced his greatest fear.

‘‘I found out my big weakness was the air turbulence when the plane goes up and down.’’

Now free of flight anxiety and following in the footsteps of his brother Tima, Faingaanuku will join fellow Tasman player Jamie Spowart in the New Zealand under-20 side for the World Cup in France.

Faingaanuku’s brother Tima was a member of the NZ titlewinning side of 2017. Apart from a few pointers about what to expect at the tournament and the mental toughness required, both brothers were aware of Leicester’s desire and potential to do well on the world stage.

‘‘Being selected is a great honour but also a lot of weight on your shoulders, representing your country and your family – it’s nothing to take lightly so I know the boys are taking this with two hands and are looking forward to the journey,’’ Leicester said.

While the World Cup will be Spowart’s first trip to Europe, Faingaanuku attended a sevens tournament in England to celebrate Rugby School’s 450th anniversary last year.

The New Zealand squad have been in camp at Mount Maunganui since Sunday ahead of their departure for France tomorrow..

Wales, Australia and Japan loom as New Zealand’s opponents in pool play.

Spowart said the coaching team headed by Craig Philpott had emphasised every team was a threat to their title chances.

‘‘Coach has made it pretty clear that we’re not thinking about backing it up, we’re just focusing on one game at a time and for me as someone who’s been called up as one of the new fellas in the team it’s just about doing my role and taking any opportunity.’’

Having had some game-time at the recent Oceania tournament in Australia, Spowart said with the help of his Tasman team-mate, he was quickly finding his feet in the New Zealand side.

‘‘Having someone Leicester there makes environment much easier.’’

‘‘Being selected is a great honour but also a lot of weight on your shoulders ...’’ Leicester Faingaanuku

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Tasman duo Jamie Spowart, left, and Leicester Faingaanuku will depart for France this week as part of the New Zealand under-20 team.