Rennie selects Fainga’anuku for All Blacks tour

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has selected Leicester Fainga’anuku for the All Blacks’ Nations Championship tour, valuing the 27-year-old’s ability to cover positions in both the backline and the loose forwards. Fainga’anuku is listed among the loose forwards in the 36-player squad. Rennie said the player could cover wing, midfield and the No. 7 position, describing him as a hybrid option rather than someone limited to the back row. He has 12 Test caps and has not yet played for New Zealand under Rennie. The All Blacks are scheduled to face Scotland on November 7, Wales on November 14 and England on November 21. The matches are on consecutive weekends, with the squad also set to play another game during Finals Weekend. Fainga’anuku’s recent availability remains a consideration. After breaking his leg late in the Super Rugby season, he returned to play provincial rugby for Tasman, where he also suffered a concussion. Rennie said his playing time had been less than the coaches wanted, but that he had been running well in recent weeks and was in reasonable condition. The coach said match readiness would be the test, while also saying Fainga’anuku would feature on tour....