The Rise of Radike

Over the last six months Radike Samo has proved his career is as robust as his afro. And while it’s a joy to behold his bulbous barnet in full flight, we should all step back and marvel at the remarkable renaissance he’s enjoying in the winter of his career.

2011 may well prove to be Samo’s golden year. Having spent nearly a decade in the rugby wilderness flogging his wares in France and Japan, the 35 year old back-row not only became a crucial member of the Queensland Reds (having been signed as short-term cover for James Horwill), he broke back into the Australian team seven years after his debut – helping the Wallabies win the Tri-Nations while he was at it – and was one of the first to secure a place on the plane to the New Zealand.

A pretty good return indeed.

And now he’s proved so indispensible he’s starting on the wing against Russia this weekend. Is this a sign the wheels have come off for Australia? Or will Samo continue his purple patch with a barn storming performance on Saturday?

It’s fair to say I’m no fan of the Wallabies, but in Samo I’ve found someone in canary yellow I can really get behind.