Tindall jumps on Volc's wagon

After drafting the 28-year-old former New Zealand rugby league international into his party, England head coach Brian Ashton could now go the whole hog and hand 'The Volcano' a starting place - just nine games and nine tries into his Gloucester career - against Wales at Twickenham on February 2.

And Tindall, who has made Ashton's 32-man group after missing the 2007 World Cup campaign through injury, said: "People often say statistics don't mean everything, but normally with Lesley's stats they are the important ones - the stats and the tries. I think he could hold himself on any field with any players."

He added: "It's just the commitment and his attitude to how you play rugby is what you want. I think he will fit right in."

Vainikolo, who claimed 149 touchdowns in 152 games for Bradford Bulls, joined Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester on a lucrative contract last summer.

He had previously played rugby union as a youngster in Auckland. Grievous family problems in New Zealand, though, twice forced him home either side of Christmas.

He is currently 12,000 miles away and will miss Gloucester's crucial Heineken Cup clash against the Ospreys on Saturday.

But the 6ft 2ins wing, who weighs in at almost 18 stone, has received a huge fillip with his selection in a squad that includes fellow uncapped players Danny Cipriani, Richard Wigglesworth and Tom Croft.

Rob Andrew, the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, is untroubled by those traditionalists who might question Vainikolo's selection.

He said: "This is not the first time it has happened, and it won't be the last, in England or around the world. This guy is playing in England, he is eligible for England and he wants to play for England. Then it becomes a straight selection issue."