Analysis: Leicester Fainga'anuku's powerful influence is taking the Crusaders places
Leicester Fainga'anuku's return has given the Crusaders a physical edge that is changing how the side attacks.
Patrick McKendry··3 min read
Analysis: Leicester Fainga'anuku's powerful influence is taking the Crusaders places
Leicester Fainga'anuku's return has given the Crusaders a physical edge that is changing how the side attacks.
His combination of size and footwork forces defences to commit extra numbers, creating space for outside runners who had been starved of it.
The effect shows up in the numbers, but is most obvious in the way opposition defensive lines set up when he carries.
For a franchise rebuilding after a difficult stretch, that influence has been worth more than any single result.
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