RUGBY - 'Allo 'Allo, Rene ready for resistance

Northland rugby star Rene Ranger should have a world sevens title to his name by now but injury has so far blocked the try-scoring winger's path. Not this season, things are looking good with the Air NZ Cup kick-off just three days away. Sports editor Tim Eves reportsHere's a bit of rugby trivia only a true dyed-in-the-wool Northland rugby tragic would be able to answer in a millisecond: Who is Northland rugby winger Rene Ranger named after?
Well, Rene of that famous television show 'Allo 'Allo of course.
As a way of ensuring your multi-talented son ends up becoming the subject of some team jocularity, that one must surely take the cake. Not that Rene Ranger hasn't mastered the skill of the cutting comeback. The part Rarotongan, part Maori, part European might have a name that causes some to double-take off the paddock, but he fashioned the best way of replying on the field.
Just like the television alter-ego, Rene is always worth watching.
The thing is, when it comes to stardom on the wing, Rene Ranger has been playing second fiddle to another Polynesian player in the Northland colours: Fetu Vainikolo.
Vainikolo burst on to the scene last year, making such a huge impression that he went from the relative obscurity of club rugby at Wellsford to the spotlight of Super 14 try scoring in the No14 jersey for the Highlanders.
At the same time Ranger struggled with injury, was caught behind a backlog of fast-paced wingers in the Blues franchise, then missed out of a New Zealand Maori slot when he busted his thumb a week before the team was announced.
He did make the New Zealand Sevens team though but even that selection had a sting in its tail. Established in Gordon Teitjens' tournament squad, Ranger opted out of the final and utlimately successful leg of the mission to win the IRB World Sevens title to ensure he was ready for a call-up from NZ Maori coach Donny Stevenson. The thumb injury ensured neither happened.
That's two tournament winning teams Ranger should have been in.
Not that the string of events has dampened the enthusiasm of one of the most recognisable hair-styles in the Northland team these days.
"I am really keen actually. My thumb injury I hadn't played any rugby for a month until we played pre-season stuff. The sevens was an awesome experience and good for the match fitness I suppose, and just the experience of playing in those tournaments. But it was a bummer the way I ended up just watching for a month last month (June)," Ranger said.
"I want to make a big impression this year, I think I can make a Super 14 team if it goes well. Last year was heaps of injuries and stuff that got in the way.
"Watching Fetu (Vainikolo) make it to the Highlanders was cool, it meant I knew I could be there too.
"Fetu is the experienced Super 14 man now, and we are all learning off him.
"But there is a good feeling in the whole Northland team this year. I like it. I think we're going to go real well."
Northland coach Mark Anscombe said: "I know that, with a bit of space, those two guys, Fetu and Rene, are as good as any in the country.
"With a bit of good ball, who knows what those guys can do?" Anscombe said.