Volcano to erupt
Bulls star hoping McClennan may return for this year's World Cup
By Rob Lancaster Last updated: 29th January 2008
Hape: Played alongside Vainikolo for club and country
There's obviously going to be pressure on him (Vainikolo) because he's in the big time now, but I don't think it's anything he can't handle.
Shontayne Hape
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Shontayne Hape is confident that former Bradford team-mate Lesley Vainikolo can be a big hit for England - even if it will be a little strange to see him singing a different national anthem.
'The Volcano' made an explosive start to his rugby union career with five tries on his Gloucester debut and is currently the leading try-scorer in the Guinness Premiership.
England coach Brian Ashton has certainly taken notice of Vainikolo, who is eligible to play for his current homeland on residency grounds, handing him a place in his 32-man training squad for this year's Six Nations tournament.
While his call-up may have shocked some, Hape - who was present at Headingley to see his good friend make his debut against Leeds - was not surprised to see the Tongan-born winger selected.
No surprise
Having played together for the Bulls and New Zealand, the centre has seen close up what Vainikolo can do from close quarters and has backed him to carry on scoring if he gets his chance at the top level.
"What can you say - 11 games in and he's top scorer in the Guinness Premiership and has been called up to the England squad," Hape told skysports.com.
"I went to watch his first game and he scored five tries. I think a lot of the rugby union spectators were surprised but the league guys have seen that before, we've even seen six tries in a game.
"He's lived here for six years and is going to have a baby here soon, so I don't see any reason why he shouldn't (switch allegiances).
"There's obviously going to be pressure on him because he's in the big time now, but I don't think it's anything he can't handle."
While Vainikolo's international future may now be in a white shirt Hape is still aiming to wear the black of New Zealand at the rugby league World Cup at the end of the year.
Capped six times, the 25 year-old saw an injury-hit Kiwi squad whitewashed by Great Britain at the end of last season.
Those poor results followed on from a 58-0 thumping against Australia and criticism from some senior players led to coach Gary Kemble stepping down from his post.
Former Kangaroos coach Wayne Bennett seems to be the favourite to take over, although Hape admits he would be delighted to see Brian McClennan, who has taken over at Leeds Rhinos, return to the role.
Disappointing
"I don't know too much, all I know now is that Gary stepped down from the job," he said.
"After hearing that he had been re-appointed for the World Cup, and then all the drama that has gone on, it's disappointing.
"From the players' point of view we were trying to build on what happened last year in the Great Britain series.
"At the moment it's all up in the air and we're still waiting to hear who is going to be the new coach.
"New Zealand has scrapped the rule that you can't bring in an overseas coach, but maybe Brian may stick his hand back up.
"We're not going to know until a bit further down the track, so for now I'm going to concentrate on Bradford."
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