Stuff.co.nz: For some fleetfooted backs a move into the forwards would be taken as an insult, but not in the case of sevens star Lote Raikabula.

A New Zealand sevens veteran, having been in the side since 2006, Raikabula has moved from the backline to hooker – a move that has seen him thrive. "It gets me really quickly into the game rather than standing in the backs.

"I quite like physicality – I don't mind getting in there and getting dirty so that's probably why Titch [coach Gordon Tietjens] put me up there."

Tietjens said the move had been prompted by his concern over depth in the forwards and by the emergence of rising star Kurt Baker. Raikabula had been "hugely impressive" in the two tournaments since his switch. "I think he surprised a few people out there because he looks like he's played there all his life."

Tietjens was also impressed by the way the Fijian bulked up, adding 8 kilograms to his now 94kg frame.

"He's done a lot of work in the gym. He rates himself as a forward but, at the same time, I can move him into the backline and he adjusts just like that. He's a Fijian, he knows the game inside out."

The move has coincided with a turn-around in fortunes for the Kiwis, with the team winning the season's first two tournaments after not winning a single leg last year.

Raikabula said they felt pressure to win in Wellington but he was excited about playing to a home crowd at the ground he calls his favourite.

Having been around for a while, he saw himself as a role model and mentor but said the enthusiasm and ability of the new boys made that job easy. "It makes us old fellas get excited too. It's another opportunity to put on the black jersey, which is always a dream."

04 February, 2010