Vainikolo seeks on-field solace

[Burgs]

Vainikolo seeks on-field solace

21/01/2008 9:01:54 AM
PA Sport

The rugby field has been a refuge for Lesley Vainikolo as he seeks normality in his life after a period of personal hardship.

The Tongan-born winger lost his brother Kava to a heart attack in December and his father Solomone, who suffered from asthma, at the start of January.

Each time he has made the round trip to New Zealand to be with his family, returning two weeks later and going straight back into the Gloucester team.

"I just wanted to get back to work and get my head straight and take my mind off things," said Vainikolo, a committed Christian who reads a passage from the bible his mother gave him before every game.

"I got to train on Friday and Saturday and it felt good to get back on the rugby field.
"God is the one who gives and takes. I was just looking for the challenge and I wanted to get my frustrations out, out there."

Vainikolo's demeanour will have been keenly monitored by England head coach Brian Ashton, who has named the former Kiwis rugby league international in his 32-man squad for the Six Nations.

His call-up came too late for Solomone to enjoy, but Vainikolo cannot wait to see his family name up in lights at Twickenham when England opens its Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 2.

"When I got the call I went straight to my dad and told him before I told the rest of my family," Vainikolo proudly stated.

"It lifted the Vainikolo family spirit and was a bit of good news that my dad's name is going to be up there soon.

"I'm just taking life day by day and trying to get through the dark door I've gone through over the last couple of months.

"At the moment, Gloucester have given me the light to get through and England is an extra bonus."

[Burgs]

Vainikolo to be 'huge star': Robinson

27/01/2008 10:40:42 PM
PA Sport

Jason Robinson has backed England winger Lesley Vainikolo to become a 'huge global star'.

Vainikolo has followed the trail blazed by the now-retired Robinson, building a huge reputation in rugby league before breaking into the national squad after converting to the 15-man game.

Robinson was a huge success after his change of code and became feared as one of the most deadly runners in world rugby.

He feels Vainikolo - known as the 'Volcano' - can make an equally stunning impact, and has backed him to perhaps even better his achievements in the Red Rose shirt.

"Lesley is fast, he has raw power and he's a try machine," Robinson told the Mail on Sunday ahead of the RBS 6 Nations which begins next week.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if he becomes a huge global star in international rugby, and a massive fans' favourite with England."

"Give him a 10-metre run and you've got little chance. If you're ready to take a big hit from him he'll step you, and if you're light-footed preparing for the step, he'll dip his shoulder and run straight through you."

"You just don't know what he's going to do until it's too late."

"It gives the opposition a massive problem, because you can't afford not to heavily police Les in a game, but in doing so you leave yourself wide open elsewhere."

[James]

My money is on a huge flop. A huge global star in the backline for England? Are they having a laugh?

I read an article about how England was spoilt for choice at fly-half in the six nations with options like Toby Flood, Dan Cipirani, Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson. But it seems they've forgotten the fact that Hodgson simply isn't good enough at Test level, Flood is too one-dimensional and can only really kick the ball, Cipirani is uncapped and while shows a lot of potential probably isn't old or experienced enough to handle the test environment and Wilkinson is that often injured that you never can be too sure.