The Tongan-born powerhouse is the boldest selection in the squad, with just nine games for Gloucester since switching from rugby league.

But Vainikolo, a committed Christian, has made a huge impact since changing codes, and his Gloucester and England team-mate Mike Tindall is already a big fan.

"You can't argue with his record - he's just a phenomenon in what he can do on the rugby field," Tindall told BBC Sport.