Two halves of rugby for the Mako was all it needed to convince All Blacks coach Dave Rennie that rugby hybrid Leicester Fainga’anuku was ready to return to the national fold.
After playing the last of his 12 tests against Wales 11 months ago as a reserve back, Leicester has been named as a loose forward in the 36-man squad for the end of year northern tour.
A broken leg ruled the 27-year-old out of the first eight games of the NPC season, and he returned via the bench for round nine.
He started as a flanker in the final round of the regular provincial season against Waikato earlier this month, and was concussed late in the first half.
Leicester was then sorely missed as the Mako went down to Northland in the quarterfinals.
His return is timely given the run of injuries in the loose forwards, and his versatility offers backline cover as well.
He’s replaced another hybrid, Du’Plessis Kirifi, whose All Blacks comeback only lasted one match this month.
Leicester will join Tasman teammate Ethan Blackadder in the six-strong loose forward mix, after the 15-test All Black recovered from his latest calf muscle injury suffered in the warm-up to the first Bledisloe Cup match.
Midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai, and outside back Will Jordan have retained their places in the squad, but a knee injury has ruled out another loose forward Shannon Frizell.
Tasman-contracted prop Tyrel Lomax is also unavailable with a neck injury.
The selectors opted against rushing Mako winger Kyren Taumoefolau into the squad, which includes five wingers.
The former Tongan international scored a record-breaking 19 tries for the Mako in the NPC campaign and became eligible for New Zealand selection earlier this month.
The All Blacks open their tour against Scotland at Murrayfield on 8 October.
His return is timely as the All Black injury toll continues to mount.
