News

Vainikolo living up to his name

Thursday 27th March 2008

Highlanders 'Star': Fetu'u Vainikolo

Highlanders' winger Fetu'u Vainikolo is enjoying every second in his first season of Super 14 rugby, despite the fact that the South Islanders are lodged at the bottom of the tournament standings.

While the New Zealand franchise are yet to record a win in 2008, Vainikolo has been tearing opposition defence to threads with his powerful runs that have often left his opposite numbers for dead.

The 23-year-old was born in the village of Haalalo in Tonga and moved to New Zealand with his family in 1997 when he was twelve.

He played at Under-15 level as a prop, then as a loose forward before he made his way into the backs.

Fetu'u translates to "star" in Tongan and he has been living up to his name in the number eleven jersey for the Highlanders in the first half of the Super 14.

That was emphasised last weekend as he scored a dazzling individual try from 60 metres out against the Western Force in Queenstown where he displayed his speed, strength and swerve.

"When you get the ball you've just got to make the most of it because there are games when you hardly get the ball," Vainikolo told Sportal.

Now Vainikolo and the Highlanders are preparing to travel to Hamilton for Saturday's game against the Chiefs as they seek their first win of the season.

"We just want to get a win to turn our season around," said Vainikolo.

"Every game is a big game for me and they will be tough.

"There is a lot of firepower in the Chiefs' back three. I played against them (Waikato) for Northland in the national championship last year and for the Highlanders in the pre-season game this year.

"They're strong and fast. I've just got to keep up with them."

On the evidence of this season, that should not be too much of a problem as Vainikolo has proved to be one of the most dynamic rookies of the competition.

He played ten games for Northland in the Air New Zealand Cup last year and Highlanders coach Glenn Moore saw enough to move quickly and draft him to Dunedin.

"It's quite a step up from the Air New Zealand Cup and I just need to work on my game and fix the little mistakes," said Vainikolo.

"You can never be happy with where your game is at.

"I'm just loving the Super 14. I just have to try to improve with every game. I just want to get more experience so that I'll be a better player next season."

Which he is already, according to coach Moore.

"Fetu'u is a bit of an excitement machine," said Moore.

He has great natural talent and he's keen to learn."

Vainikolo, who is no relation to England rugby international Lesley Vainikolo but who is a cousin of Waratahs' utility back Daniel Halangahu, is keen to make the most of his considerable potential.

"I'll take whatever comes to me but an All Black jersey one day would be the pinnacle," he said, adding that he had a lot of work and improvement ahead before he could contemplate such status.

"I love watching players like Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina and I admire what they have achieved."