ENGLAND

Vainikolo wants more ball

Friday 08th February 2008

Lesley Vainikolo: A volcano ready to explode

Lesley Vainikolo wants to play a more active role for England in their Six Nations clash with Italy.

The Tongan-born winger made an immediate impact on his international debut against Wales last weekend when he set up a try for Toby Flood minutes after replacing the injured David Strettle.

But he was a peripheral figure in the later stages as Wales staged a remarkable comeback to earn their first win at Twickenham in 20 years.

"I definitely want to get my hands on the ball more this time," said former rugby league star Vainikolo, who will be on from the start with Strettle having suffered a hairline fracture in his foot.

"It's hard to be patient, but I've learnt that as a wing in union you have to be.

"In league you expect to touch the ball 20-25 times a game. In union it could a maximum of around 10."

That, of course, is if you stay out wide. What Vainikolo hopes to do more against the Italians, beaten only 16-11 by Ireland in Dublin in their opening match, is make an impact in central areas too.

At 6ft 2in and more than 17 stones everyone knows it could be a major impact.

"Iain Balshaw and Mike Tindall always push me in at Gloucester and that's what I love to do," added the 28-year-old, whose call-up to the squad came a mere nine games into his switch from Bradford Bulls.

On his club debut he scored five tries against Leeds and England head coach Brian Ashton has already identified the "wow factor" he possesses. Now it is a question of putting it to best use.

The big smile Vainikolo gave as he ran on for his first cap gave the impression of a man relishing his unexpectedly early opportunity to shine.

"I was really nervous - I was just hiding it. I was thinking 'I don't want to go on', but the cheer I got from the people was a massive lift," said Vainikolo.

"It just lifts your energy higher and from then on I was thinking 'Man, these people love you'. Hopefully I can keep them happy with me.

"It wasn't the result I wanted on my debut, but at least I had a taste of it and I was lucky that Mike was inside me and Iain behind."