Rugby League: Vainikolo racing to get over flu before semi

LEEDS - Kiwi winger Lesley Vainikolo has put a virus scare through the New Zealand camp just days out from the rugby league World Cup semifinal against England at Bolton.

Vainikolo revealed yesterday that he has been fighting off a flu virus in a battle against time to be fully fit for the semifinal on Sunday.

"I got it in Hull last week and I've been struggling to shake it off," he said yesterday.

"I've been given antibiotics by our team doctor, Tony Edwards, but I can feel it affecting my breathing. Luckily, I don't get asthma, but I've been feeling pretty awful, so hopefully I'll be right by match day.

"This is the first time something like this has happened to me on a trip and, unfortunately, it has struck me at the wrong time, but I'll get over it."

Vainikolo is a potential match-winner for the Kiwis against England. He was Canberra's top tryscorer this year and is New Zealand's leading tryscorer in the tournament with skipper Richie Barnett. They have scored six tries each in the Kiwis' tally of 48.

Vainikolo said he was confident the Kiwis could take the next step forward in the tournament by beating England.

"We have a great feeling in the camp. Every time we have a meeting it's like a family and the guys are like brothers. I think we can move it up a notch against England."

The blockbusting, 103kg 21-year-old winger, dubbed "the Volcano" in Australia because of his explosive runs, has a pre-match ritual which he will carry out before the semifinal at Bolton.

He goes through the same routine, involving prayers and the Bible, before getting changed, because of his strong Christian beliefs. He puts his Bible on the Kiwi jersey so the jersey can be blessed.

"I'll say a prayer, kiss the Kiwi and then put the jersey on. It helps to calm me down before kickoff.

"I always return to my Bible and say thanks after the game, or say a prayer of thanks before I go to sleep."

Endacott and England coach John Kear are holding off naming their teams until as late as possible.

Meanwhile, a calf injury to Andrew Johns has given Penrith hooker Craig Gower the chance to restart his international career with a call-up into the Australian side to take on Wales in their semifinal.

Coach Chris Anderson has put all his reserves into the side for Monday's match, despite hinting last week that he would stay with the team who thrashed Samoa 66-10 in the quarter-final.

Newcastle utility back Adam MacDougall has been named in the starting side ahead of Mat Rogers and Parramatta forward Michael Vella will start at prop.

Australia: Darren Lockyer, Adam MacDougall, Ryan Girdler, Matthew Gidley, Wendell Sailor, Brad Fittler (capt), Brett Kimmorley, Shane Webcke, Craig Gower, Michael Vella, Gorden Tallis, Bryan Fletcher, Scott Hill. Res: Trent Barrett, Robbie Kearns, Ben Kennedy, Nathan Hindmarsh.

- NZPA