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Vainikolo: Celebrating in style

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Lesley Vainikolo enjoyed a spectacular start to his rugby union career as Gloucester smashed Leeds 49-24 at Headingley.

The rugby league convert scored five tries on his debut for the Cherry and Whites as the Guinness Premiership new boys were put to the sword.

He opened his account in the first half before running in four in a sensational 19-minute spell after the break.

Amazingly, Leeds had led 19-18 at the interval thanks to John Dunbar's converted try and four penalties.

They did cross again through Tom Rock, only for Vainikolo to then steal the show with a destructive display of wing play that showed just why Gloucester had handed him a lucrative three-year deal.

Points spree

The points spree started as early as the third minute, as James Simpson-Daniel crossed in the right corner.

Dunbar replied soon after - the flanker showing good pace to tip-toe his way down the touchline and slide in out wide.

Leeds fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo converted and also slotted over three penalties before he was forced off with an injury.

James Brooks took over the kicking duties and added a penalty on the stroke of half-time to leave the hosts in front, despite Gloucester scoring further tries through Iain Balshaw and Vainikolo.

Anthony Allen scored for the visitors soon after the interval but Leeds responded well, with Rock forging his way over in the 48th minute.

Vainikolo show

From then on in it became the Vainikolo show - the giant Tongan enjoying himself on familiar territory after his time with the Bradford Bulls.

His second and third tries were typically strong finishes in the corner, while his fourth came when he grounded a high kick.

Leeds could not even get a hand on him for his fifth, an easy walk-in rounding off a remarkable first start for the 28-year-old known as the Volcano.

Ryan Lamb managed only three conversions, as well as a penalty, meaning Gloucester missed out on the chance to break the half century mark.