Highlanders v Force
Queenstown, 2.30pm today
Highlanders' wing Fetu'u Vainikolo has at least one thing in common with fellow Tongan Jonah Lomu - he wants to make the No 11 jersey his own.
Vainikolo had a dynamic debut Super 14 rugby season in 2008 but lost form so badly during an injury-plagued last season that he was fortunate to be reselected for this year's campaign.
And his form had been ordinary until last week against the Chiefs when he scored one try and almost got another after a tackle-breaking run of 70 metres.
He looms as a key figure when the Highlanders seek their third win of the season against the Force in Queenstown today.
"I want to make that No 11 jersey my own," he said. "I want to be one of the first names read out. I want to start every game and improve on the little things."
Vainikolo, 25, said the reason for his improved form was simple - he was enjoying rugby again and he was regaining his confidence.
"I'm 100 per cent fitter than last year and I'm enjoying training and playing again. I'm stoked. I was pretty happy with last week. It's just great to be out there running for the 80 minutes."
What Vainikolo was not happy about was the 27-21 loss.
"We were gutted. We were looking forward to a win but it didn't happen."
Vainikolo believes that taking too much notice of people's expectations was another reason for his form slump.
Vainikolo's problems began last year when he injured his hamstring in pre-season training.
"It didn't go away. I didn't look after it very well.
"The lesson I learnt was to make sure it's right before you start playing again. I came back too soon and made it even worse."
Things did not improve when he injured his left knee early in the Otago campaign.
"It hampered me a lot and I didn't really look after that very well, either. It's really important to be 100 per cent before you start playing again."
Vainikolo is looking forward to the game against the Force to build on the form he displayed in Hamilton.
Vainikolo forms a potentially explosive back three with Israel Dagg and Ben Smith and, if the Highlanders can finally achieve some continuity in their game, the trio could be lethal against the Perth-based side.
HIGHLANDERS v FORCE:
Highlanders
Israel Dagg
Ben Smith
Kenny Lynn
Jason Shoemark
Fetu'u Vainikolo
Mat Berquist
Jimmy Cowan (c)
Steven Setephano
Alando Soakai
Adam Thomson
Hayden Triggs
Josh Bekhuis
Clint Newland
Jason Rutledge
Chris King
Force
James O'Connor
C Shepherd
Mitch Inman
Ryan Cross
M Bartholomeusz
David Hill
Chris O'Young
Richard Brown
David Pocock
M Hodgson
Nathan Sharpe (c)
Tom Hockings
Tim Fairbrother
Ben Whittaker
Pekahou Cowan
Highlanders reserves: Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Robbie Robinson, Jayden Hayward.
Force reserves: Nathan Charles, Matt Dunning, Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Justin Turner, Sam Harris, Dane Haylett-Petty.
- NZPA
