The All Blacks have suffered a setback ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Eden Park.
Winger Timoci Tavatavanawai has been ruled out for 12 weeks after breaking his arm.
Tavatavanawai lasted just 20 minutes for Tasman against Otago before injury struck, forcing Scott Robertson to turn to returning powerhouse Leicester Fainga’anuku as an injury replacement.
“Obviously Timoci, Jim, has broken his radius,” Robertson told media on Monday. “He’s got an operation today [Monday], he’s going to be out for 12 weeks. So we’ve brought Leicester Fainga’anuku into the squad, he arrived last night.”
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Fainga’anuku, who last featured for the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final against Ireland, recently rejoined Tasman after an 18-month stint with Toulon. Though NZ Rugby originally ruled him ineligible for the Rugby Championship, injuries have opened the door.
“He was here for pre-season for Tasman, played all the games, we asked the board if he’s ticked the eligibility and they said yes. He’s good to go,” Robertson explained. “He’s a great power runner, hold his feet beautifully, attracts defenders. He played really well [in France], we are really pleased he’s come straight back into the fold and performed at the highest level.”
Update from @AllBlacks camp
Timoci Tavatavanawai has been ruled out for the remainder of The Rugby Championship.
Wishing him a speedy recovery
#TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/Ai4Dl6oRhv
— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) September 1, 2025
Fainga’anuku’s versatility could be key for the All Blacks as they prepare to face the Springboks’ bruising midfield.
“The good thing about Leicester is he can play multiple positions,” Robertson said. “I think he’s played a lot more centre over there, but he’s a hell of a winger as well, played a lot of 12 as well. He’s covered a few different positions. His experience over there has improved his game in certain areas.”
The 25-year-old, capped seven times between 2022 and 2023, is “eligible to get picked” this weekend, Robertson confirmed – adding another dimension to the All Blacks’ backline options against the Boks.
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Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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