Eddie Jones’ verdict on Leicester Fainga’anuku experiment as ‘game has changed significantly’ declaration made
Crusaders and All Blacks star Leicester Fainga'anuku, and Japan head coach Eddie Jones.
Eddie Jones believes that Leicester Fainga’anuku’s shift into the back-row is a “natural progression” given how rugby has developed over the years.
The 26-year-old has become the sport’s latest hybrid player with the Test star able to operate in either the backline or the back-row.
Fainga’anuku started at openside flanker for the first time ever last weekend and impressed as the Crusaders defeated the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific.
He had spent time in the forwards prior to that encounter but only later on in games with Rob Penney deciding that the clash at One NZ Stadium was the perfect opportunity to see him in that role for a full 80 minutes.
Fainga’anuku retains role for Hurricanes clash
The All Black has retained his spot in the seven jersey for the upcoming derby against league leaders the Hurricanes where he will feature alongside Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose trio.
“They’ve basically used him as a ball carrier and he’s a powerful ball carrier. He’s got good footwork and it’s a natural progression of the game to develop these hybrid players,” Jones said on the Rugby Unity podcast.
“Centres and back-rowers are quite similar, particularly if they’re playing in what’s called an edge role outside the centre of the field. I just think it’s the natural progression of the game.”
Versatility has become a vital part of the sport with fewer specialists in the game, particularly outside of the front five.
Although props, hooker and locks have more specific roles, Jones claims that has been altered to some degree due to the likes of Will Skelton and Emmanuel Meafou in the second-row.
The importance of ball carriers
“The only places we don’t get that change in position is in the front-row and the locks, which is unique to rugby in that we have a scrum which requires specialists at one, two and three, and then obviously locks in terms of lineout,” the Japan head coach said.
“But even France have changed that a little bit. You look at how they play, their back-rowers are basically their jumpers and their locks are their carriers.
“The game of rugby has changed considerably that now in terms of the ball carries, it’s become such an important part of the game in order to generate quick rugby speed.
“You’re always looking to see how you can improve your carrying in the team and the centres generally have better footwork and if they’re a big guy, there’s no reason why they can’t play in the back-row.”
Asked whether the hybrid role will force teams to make structural changes to the game plan or the team itself, Jones responded: “Not greatly. We’ve got a guy in Japan called Tiennan Costley, who’s as quick as any winger but he plays in the back-row.
“Sometimes we start our campaigns with forwards and backs camps and he will spend a few days with the backs camp, which he enjoys – he doesn’t get beaten up like the forwards do.”
