Vito open to Sevens World Cup call-up

Victor Vito says he would gladly accept a call-up to the Gordon Tietjens-coached New Zealand team for the Sevens World Cup.

The powerful Vito proved to be the star-turn for New Zealand during their victorious winning run on the 2007-08 International Rugby Board's Sevens World Series.

His efforts for the side, combined with a strong Air New Zealand Cup campaign for Wellington, have seen him secure selection for the Hurricanes for the upcoming Rebel Sport Super 14.

The Sevens World Cup will be played in March, the second month of the Super 14.

And Tietjens has been handed dispensation from the New Zealand Rugby Union to select one player from each of New Zealand's five franchises.

Vito shapes a leading contender to be the Hurricanes' contribution.

And the rising loose forward said it was a move he would be glad to make.

"I definitely wouldn't mind putting my hand up for Tietch," Vito told Yahoo!Xtra.

"He has done a lot for myself and other players as well. So if he needs me I definitely wouldn't turn it down."

The Sevens World Series kicks back to life in Wellington next weekend following a break over the Christmas/New Year period.

Twelve months ago Vito proved to be the match-winner for New Zealand in Wellington, scoring crucial tries in both their semifinal and final triumphs.

"I will definitely miss the boys," Vito said.

"With any team that you make, it is the guys that you miss the most.

"But they have a good squad that Tietch has named.

"So good luck to them and I will be looking forward to a good result.

"My goals were always the Hurricanes and the Sevens was the logical next step when I didn't make it last year.

"They have definitely given me a great stepping block into where I am now. So I am enjoying it, definitely."

Vito said the pre-season to date under Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper had been "good hard yakka".

They played their first pre-season trial last Friday, beating the Hurricanes 19-14 in Albany.

This week they cross the Tasman to play the Brumbies.

Vito said last Friday's match had provided an insight into how he would have to take further improvements if he was to continue his rise up the ranks.

"The NPC was one stepping block," he said.

"And the Super 14 (trial), it felt that it was another level. Just the pace and everyone else has that little bit more fitness and a little bit more skill.

"You just have to up that ante a bit.

"It was definitely a good learning curve and I will be looking to progress as I go."

Vito has previously been spoken about as a top and explosive wing prospect in the 15-man code.

However, he said he was determined to impress in the loose forward trio, something which will prove testing given the depth Cooper has to call on.

"He (Cooper) sees me in the eight and six," he said.

"He sees me in both but hasn't really specified yet. There are definitely a few guys who can in that eight spot.

"I think he is mixing and changing at the moment.

"It (the competition) is pretty tough.

"Even with the exodus of a couple of guys, there are still a few guys who have come back, like Faifili and a couple of others who are definitely there to make their spot as well.

"It will be a challenge."