Taranaki loose forward Samuela Vunisa is in line for his first start and is fast shaping as a key figure in Taranaki's bid to upset competition leaders Southland on Saturday night.
 
The 113kg loose forward is the frontrunner to replace Commonwealth Games sevens player Ben Souness at No 8 for the ITM Cup game in New Plymouth, which could prove pivotal in Taranaki's chase for a semifinal spot.

The Fijian-born Vunisa has yet to start a match for Taranaki in 16 appearances in two seasons but his form in the past fort-night could finally see that change.

The 22-year-old came off the bench to star in Taranaki's upset win over Canterbury before he again made an impact when his side was chasing the game in the second half against Hawke's Bay in Napier on Saturday.

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper said while Vunisa is still prone to making mistakes, there is no doubt his game has progressed markedly throughout the season.

Vunisa arrived in New Zealand in 2005 where he attended Wanganui Collegiate for a year before he headed north last year to join the Taranaki union's academy.

Story by: Selina Navuso
Source: www.stuff.co.nz.