Is the Crusaders' ambitious 'hybrid' player experiment facing an early setback? The highly anticipated plan to deploy a 'world-class' All Blacks star in a dual role has been temporarily shelved, leaving fans and the coaching staff to ponder its future. While the Crusaders have hit pause on using Leicester Fainga’anuku as a versatile backline-to-forward weapon, head coach Rob Penney insists the concept is far from dead.
Following a nail-biting 25-23 loss to the Highlanders in their Super Rugby Pacific opener, the Christchurch-based Crusaders have made strategic adjustments to their lineup for their upcoming home fixture against the Brumbies. A significant change sees Fainga’anuku, who started on the left wing in the previous match, now finding himself on the bench. This demotion comes after a performance marred by several handling errors in that intense derby in Dunedin.
Leading up to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, there was considerable buzz from within the Crusaders camp about a bold strategy: beginning matches with Fainga’anuku in the backline, either at wing or centre, and then transitioning him to the back-row during the second half of games. This innovative approach mirrors a tactic that has proven highly effective for the Springboks on the international stage, with star centre Andre Esterhuizen notably packing down on the side of the scrum in the latter stages of several Tests in 2025.
Fainga’anuku himself is no stranger to such positional fluidity. He gained valuable experience playing at centre or on the flank during an 18-month stint with Toulon after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Crusaders' attack coach James Marshall had previously expressed enthusiasm for this hybrid role. He hinted at a tactical advantage, suggesting that Fainga’anuku’s versatility could allow for a more balanced bench, with one less specialist loose forward needed, thereby freeing up additional backline cover. "Realistically, it’s probably going to be him starting in the backs and instead of having two loose forwards on the bench, you’ve got one loose forward coming off the bench and Leicester moving in and it frees up a bit more backs space on the bench," Marshall shared earlier this month.
However, the Crusaders' initial vision for Fainga’anuku in midfield was disrupted by a spate of injuries to key outside backs, including Macca Springer, Johnny McNicholl, and Maloni Kunawave. This unfortunate circumstance led to him being deployed on the wing against the Highlanders.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Fainga’anuku will be a reserve against the Brumbies, Penney's immediate focus is on re-establishing him in his preferred midfield role. "We’d really like to see Leicester focus on being the athlete he knows he can be in the midfield, the player we know he can be in the midfield," Penney stated. He emphasized the need for Fainga’anuku to settle and gradually unleash his talents as his combinations and confidence grow within the team. "We just need to find his perfect position and let him develop confidence. That’s where that [hybrid plan] sits at the moment."
And this is the part most people miss... Is this a temporary tactical adjustment, or a sign that the Crusaders are reconsidering a strategy that, while innovative, might be too complex or risky for consistent execution? Could focusing solely on his midfield prowess unlock even greater potential, or are they sacrificing a unique strategic advantage that could have set them apart? What are your thoughts on this 'hybrid' player experiment? Do you believe it's a stroke of genius that should be pursued, or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let us know in the comments below!
