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 on Thursday 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,” Fainga’anuku said.
“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 also named to debut off the bench for Tonga in their clash against Fiji on Saturday.
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 that 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.
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.
However, he said he would use that as motivation against Ireland on Saturday, when he will be marked by the veteran Keith Earls in front of a sold-out Eden Park.
