'Volcano' ready to erupt

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The former Bradford Bulls rugby league star, capped by New Zealand at rugby's 13-a-side code and born in Tonga, will pull on the white shirt of his adopted country this weekend.

Vainikolo said: "This is all a dream come true for me, but I never plan ahead, I go day by day."

Vainikolo can expect to appear from the bench against England's opening RBS 6 Nations opponents Wales on Saturday, in something of an inevitable role for the powerhouse wing - as an impact substitute.

And it will be a red-letter day for the 28-year-old, whose Test match introduction in his first season of union comes after he suffered family tragedies either side of Christmas, his brother and his father both dying in New Zealand.

"All I think about is my mum at home," he said. "She lost a lover and a son, and another son is on the other side of the world, which makes it hard for her. All my tears and prayers go out to her."

On the field, Vainikolo refuses to look too far into a future that could culminate in him being part of England's 2011 World Cup squad - in New Zealand.

"I never like talking. For me, it is about getting out there and doing the job."

Obvious comparisons have been made between Vainikolo and fellow rugby juggernauts like Jonah Lomu and Va'aiga Tuigamala, but he said: "I don't compare myself to anyone, really.

"I am me, I'm Lesley. I want people to start knowing me. The World Cup (2011) would be nice, but the Six Nations is massive for me. It's my first Test match on Saturday, and I am just concentrating on this week. I am still learning, and you learn new things every day. I love it."