Hong Kong - New Zealand sevens star Victor Vito, being hyped as the new Jonah Lomu, says he is flattered by comparisons with the All Blacks legend but insists he wants to be his own man.
The Hong Kong Sevens helped turn Lomu into an international rugby superstar and Vito's sevens performances have led to inevitable comparisons.
Speaking after his team's quarter-final win at the Hong Kong Sevens Sunday, Vito said: "I really want to be a loose forward. A lot of people are tipping me as (the next Lomu)."
"That's a great compliment but if you know the man, there's never going to be another Jonah Lomu, he was just the biggest name in the game," added Vito, who has size, skill and speed.
Vito has played a key role in New Zealand's march towards the IRB Sevens World Series crown this year, powering the Kiwis to a first title in Wellington since 2005 and also scoring in the San Diego final.
In the full version of the game he is a promising loose forward who has captained New Zealand under-19s, but sevens coach Gordon Tietjens sees Vito best used on the wing.
"I'm just trying to help my team win out here and it would be great to pull off Jonah-like performances but I just want to do my own thing to help our team win," Vito said.
"Anyone would love to get that kind of praise but I'd rather be an unknown and to play in a successful team than worry about my own personal stuff."
Vito, who has ambitions to play in the Super 14s, said it was too early to talk about wearing the All Blacks jersey but said the sevens was a great platform and helped players develop skills that can be used in the 15-a-side game.
"The sevens is a platform for many great players like (Christian) Cullen and Jonah, who have made their names here," he said.
"It's quite a step off Super 14s but the pace of the game in Super 14s and the pace of the players here in the sevens does help to simulate that kind of rugby so it's just the concept you have to take across."
And he is enjoying being part of a successful New Zealand sevens outfit.
"It's amazing being part of a team that so wants it. We've got a good mix of guys who've been there, done that, felt the pain of losing in the past and winning." - Sapa-AFP