All Blacks v South Africa: Leicester Fainga’anuku called into All Blacks camp ahead of Eden Park test

All Blacks coach Scott Robinson has made a surprise inclusion ahead of the Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks at Eden Park.

Leicester Fainga’anuku has returned to the All Blacks camp after being named as an injury replacement for Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Fainga’anuku signed an 18-month contract with French side Toulon after the 2023 Rugby World Cup but returned to New Zealand in recent months, playing for Tasman in the NPC, where he’s now appeared in three matches.

He’s signed with the Crusaders for the next two seasons and wasn’t expected to be available for the All Blacks until the northern end-of-year tour, due to New Zealand Rugby eligibility rules.

But it appears the current injury crisis has seen a special exemption made so the 23-year-old could join Robertson’s camp ahead of the crucial test this Saturday.

Fainga’anuku played seven tests in 2022 and 2023 and was a breakout star at the last Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries.

Tavatavanawai will miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship after breaking his arm in Tasman’s NPC clash with Otago on Saturday.

The midfielder fractured his radius and faces 12 weeks on the sidelines.

New Zealand Rugby released an update of player injuries ahead of Thursday’s team naming for the Eden Park test against the Springboks.

The biggest issue remains at halfback, with Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham still facing up to four weeks before returning to action while Cortez Ratima is in doubt for Saturday’s test, with Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston remaining with the squad.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu is also three to four weeks away, meaning a potential return in the Bledisloe Cup.

On the positive front, prop Tyrel Lomax is back fit after a thumb injury, while midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown has also been cleared after a concussion in the opener against Argentina.

Wing Caleb Clarke and loosie Luke Jacobson will get another NPC runaround before they’re considered for test selection.