Overview
- Fehi Fineanganofo made his Test debut on Saturday in Christchurch, coming on for the final 11–12 minutes as the All Blacks held on to a 34-32 win over France.
- He admitted to severe nerves before and during the match, saying he nearly vomited on the bench and that he vomited at halftime in the changing room.
- In limited game time Fineanganofo recorded two carries for 13 metres, beat a tackle and completed all three of his tackles, prompting praise from captain Ardie Savea.
- Fineanganofo signed to join English club Newcastle from the end of November and his agent is working to undo that deal because New Zealand Rugby normally excludes overseas-based players from All Blacks selection; as of the match night there was no confirmed change to the contract.
- Coach Dave Rennie must weigh form and the unresolved contract when naming squads for upcoming Tests against Italy and Ireland, and Fineanganofo’s Super Rugby record and family reaction underline both his rapid rise and what is at stake for his international future.