V for Vatuvei and victory
November 9th 2008 07:32
Manu Vatuvei is finally off his leash. After scoring four tries against England, ‘The Beast’ is now ready to lead New Zealand’s assault in ending Australia’s world cup dominance.
The Kiwi winger has had a below par tournament so far but his performance against the Poms serves as a reminder of what is to come for all who stand in his way.
Vatuvei last night displayed the form that made him the most feared winger in season 2008, despite only playing 17 or so games for the New Zealand Warriors.
Yet, in those 17 or so matches, Vatuvei scored 17 tries to demonstrate the match winning abilities he possesses.
Gone are the days when he was labelled a man that either produced rocks or diamonds. Vatuvei now has the rights to build his love life a beautiful necklace, thanks to the form he is now displaying.
Unfortunately for England, Vatuvei’s heroics yesterday have put them in a shaky position. For 24 hours anyway.
If Papua New Guinea achieve the impossible and defeat Australia, The Lions will bid farewell to the world cup.
Although that is unlikely to happen, one only has to cast their minds back to the 2008 finals series when the Warriors upstaging Melbourne at Olympic park was deemed impossible.
Of course we all know what happened there.
So while England bite their nails in anticipation of an Australian victory, Vatuvei and the Kiwis look forward to their semi final in Brisbane this coming weekend with confidence.
It seems now that the Kiwis are finally enjoying their football after such a lacklustre display against the Australians three weeks ago.
But with the rise in form of Vatuvei and the inclusion of Issac Luke, New Zealand now have the means to disturb the Kangaroos dominance on League’s biggest stage.
On his day, Vatuvei is like a runaway train and anyone unlucky enough to cross his path will know the meaning of pain.
His role in this Kiwi side is enormous, considering the fact he always plays as an extra forward when New Zealand’s big men seek time out and breath.
Although there is talk that Benji Marshall is the main man in this Kiwi line-up, it is through a Vatuvei inspirational run or tackle that sets the tone for New Zealand’s performance in any test they play.
When they were trailing England by ten points at the break, Vatuvei remained composed and played what was in front of him. Not the situation that confronted his side.
Indeed the old Vatuvei would have lost all thought and time as he would produce error after error after error.
This is not the case anymore. Vatuvei now takes the opportunities given him, which were provided last night by Lance Hohaia.
He made the English pay for their inability to secure a result they had in the bag at halftime.
But with hands as secure as the doctor that delivered him into this world, Vatuvei now has the means to produce when it counts.
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