By Steve Haag Back Page Sport.Com

'Ikale Tahi rugby player, 'Epeli Taione arrived in Durban, South Africa on Sunday, March 23 to join the Durban Sharks in their 2008 Super 14 campaign.

The Shark's head coach Dick Muir hailed that 'Epi will be a major force in Super Rugby, according to Backpage.com.

'Epi (29) has been described as a "Mountain of a Man" at 122kg and 1.93m, and has played wing, centre, blindside flank and eighthman.

"A great value to the squad, particularly since his versatility will be an asset in the second half of the Super 14."

There is a likelihood that Dick Muir will use 'Epi at No. 7 and No. 8.

'Epi played his rugby in the United Kingdom for the English Premiership sides Newcastle and Sale Sharks, where he was once suspended for biting Munster loose forward Denis Leamy's ear in the 2006 Heineken Cup - earning him an 18-week ban. Since then he has been playing for the Japanese side Sanyo Wild Knights, and Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi, in last year's Rugby World Cup.

'Epi has been included in the Sharks' touring squad but will have to oust some talented loose forwards before getting a run-on start. Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes and Ryan Kankowski are the incumbent back row, with AJ Venter and Jean Deysel (who was omitted) in reserve.

'Epi's first assignment could come against the Reds next weekend. Muir wouldn't speculate on whether he'd be included in the 22 or not, but was confident that if he was he'd hit the ground running.

"He's just come off a long season in Japan so match fitness won't be an issue," he said. "He'll take a while to get used to the pace, physicality and intensity of Super Rugby, but as soon as he's settled his class will come through.

"I expect his speed and size to be an asset under the ELVs as well. You need mobile guys, and if they're able to make an impact at the contact points and break the line or commit a couple of defenders, that suits our preferred style of play perfectly."