Rugby: Support from all over for Naholo

Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo at training at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday. Photo by Gerard...
Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo at training at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
The fame of Waisake Naholo has spread to the Middle East.

Naholo, who was a bit of a mystery man at the start of the year, has had a break-out season, racking up 12 tries this year, setting a Highlanders record.

He said yesterday the support had been great and had been coming from far and wide.

''I think the lower South Island is right behind us this week. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and supporting the Highlanders region,'' he said.

''There has been a lot of support from Fiji and family, just wishing me luck for this weekend. I've got some messages of support from the soldiers in Iraq, as well.

''It is good to get that sort of support. That kinds of gets me excited and gets me up for the weekend.''

Naholo (24) said the Highlanders were full of excitement for the final in Wellington, but he was not getting too far ahead of himself.

''I'll just come in and concentrate on my roles - look for some work and get involved heaps. I've got to try and stop the bus [Hurricanes winger Julian Savea].

''The boys are pumped. It is going to be a different experience for everyone. I think the team that works harder will come out on top. I think our boys can do that. We've got to go out and give everything.''

The flying winger aimed to do that but he knows that can only happen if the men up front do the work and get him the ball.

He is forever grateful for the hard yards done by the forwards to secure the side some ball and let the backs roam free.

Naholo said it had been a great season for him and a win this weekend would be the icing on the cake.

''The season is just full of enjoyment. A lot has happened in the past six months. It is great to be at this stage of this competition.''

Naholo said nothing had changed regarding his deal with French club Clermont.

The big Fijian had signed with the French club before the season had even started but after a stellar six months, which included selection in the 41-strong All Black squad, he has no intention of heading north.

He said no conclusion had been reached to the stand-off over the deal but he was leaving it to his agent.

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