Fainga’anuku all fired up
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s biggest supporters will be in the stands at Eden Park to watch him make his debut against Ireland – his parents.
Fainga’anuku was named in the famous All Blacks No 11 jersey yesterday after a standout campaign for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.
That means flights have been booked for his proud parents to fly up from Christchurch and watch their son’s test debut.
‘‘They were happy and so excited to be able to come up and watch something they’ve dreamed of seeing,’’ said Fainga’anuku.
‘‘I’m truly grateful to have the opportunity to achieve that for not only myself but my family.’’
It will be a double celebration for the Fainga’anuku family this weekend. Hours after the All Blacks named their team, Leicester’s brother Tima was named to debut off the bench for Tonga in their clash against Fiji tomorrow.
Tima Fainga’anuku had a standout campaign for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, and has been rewarded for that form as Tonga start a new era for
Pacific Islands rugby with the likes of Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Israel Folau in their side.
Leicester said he was ready to explode against the Irish after being named to start.
‘‘You’re hearing the names flow by and then hearing my name come out, it was surprising,’’ he said.
‘‘But, at the same time it sparked a bit of fire in my belly.
‘‘You listen to that, and hearing my name being called out, it made me excited for the opportunity I’ve got. There is a whole lot of excitement and joy.’’
Fainga’anuku said he had spent the past week learning from more experienced All Blacks, but was also keen to put his own stamp on the jersey.
‘‘It’s been quite good, being able to gel alongside these boys and have a feel of how All Blacks footy is played and what it takes to prepare for a test match.
‘‘I’ve really enjoyed every minute of it. At the same time I’m trying to add what I really want to add to the black jersey and into this team. The boys have just made me feel so welcome to be able to do that.’’
The 22-year-old acknowledged the step up in intensity at All Blacks level, with his every move under scrutiny from the hardmarking rugby public in New Zealand.
However, he said he would use that as motivation against Ireland tomorrow, when he will be marked by the veteran Keith Earls in front of a sold-out Eden Park.
‘‘It’s massive. I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as an opportunity to use that as fuel to be able to shine and do what I love doing, and make them [the fans] happy.’’
‘‘I’m trying to add what I really want to add to the black jersey and into this team.’’
Leicester Fainga’anuku’