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NZ v India: 3rd T20 from 7.45pmUmaga backs All Blacks’ fresh faces to seize their chance on Northern tour
Jaxin Daniels • October 27th, 2026 12:50 pm
All Blacks' Chay Fihaki on debut | Photo: Raghavan Venugopal / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga says a busy injury list has opened the door for new faces, while giving the selectors plenty of options as the team prepares for its Nations Championship Northern Series.
Loose forward depth was a key part of the selection discussion, with Shannon Frizell unavailable and Simon Parker staying home for personal reasons.
Umaga said Leicester Fainga’anuku’s ability to cover multiple positions gives the All Blacks flexibility, particularly when considering the make-up of the bench.
“You talk to different coaches, they’ll have a different view on it, but to be honest, he is a hybrid,” Umaga told Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy.
“He’s played Super Rugby at both outside centre and wing, but also at seven and he’s done all jobs with great skill.”
That versatility comes with a challenge, as Fainga’anuku needs to learn both the forwards’ lineout calls and the backs’ moves.
“I don’t even know how he does it myself,” Umaga said. “You have to learn lineouts, all the things, and the forwards do a lot more learning than the backs do.”
Leicester Fainga'anuku | Photo: Photosport
Jamie Hannah has earned selection ahead of Sam Darry, although Umaga stressed there was little between the two locks.
He said Hannah made the most of every opportunity, including a short-notice debut and a quick return to the field after travelling to South Africa.
“Every time he’s had an opportunity, he’s taken the most of it,” Umaga said. “He’s the one that’s got his nose through on this tour.”
Umaga said Darry had been told what he needs to work on and expected him to return stronger for Super Rugby.
Chay Fihaki also caught the coaches’ attention after stepping into the All Blacks environment at short notice. Umaga praised the winger’s composure under the high ball and his ability to fit into the team despite limited preparation.
“I thought he played very well, especially during the week in the limited reps that he did get,” Umaga said.
He added that Fihaki’s work under pressure showed where he was at in his development.
“Getting up and taking high balls and the skill set and also being fit enough to work both sides of the field the way we play the game," Umaga said.
"He's got all those attributes.”
Christian Lio-Willie was selected after impressing in the NPC. Umaga said he had been close to selection previously and was next in line for an opportunity.
Why Chay Fihaki deserves his spot in the All Blacks' Northern Series squad | Scotty & Izzy
There was also a positive update on Richie Mo’unga, who is recovering from a calf injury.
Umaga said the first five was progressing ahead of expectations and could be available for the first or second match of the tour.
“He is getting managed through, and he's well ahead of where we thought he'd be at from initial thoughts,” Umaga said.
“He says, ‘I’ll be back sooner than they think.’”
Umaga said the selectors were pleased with the depth available, despite the injuries, and were looking forward to seeing players make the most of their opportunities on tour.
Listen to the full interview below:
