UTA Tupuola believes Westcliff have what it takes to move up the National Three London & SE standings during the second half of the season.

Westcliff - whose game at Westcombe Park was postponed due to a frozen pitch on Saturday - are currently 10th in the table.

But Tupuola is certain the team will be far higher when the season comes to a close.

“I’m hoping for the team to be up in the top five by the end of the season and I think we can do it too,” said the centre.

“We have to take it one team and game at a time but I believe we could all do better than we have been doing.

“The lads definitely have the potential to do it and I’m also trying my best to make a difference to the team.”

Tupuola came over from New Zealand to line up at the Gables.

And he already feels at home in Westcliff.

“I’ve always wanted to come and play rugby in England and see what it was like so I’m really pleased to be doing it now,” said Tupuola.

“Westcliff was not my first offer but I took it because it was described to me as a family club and that’s what I have at home so it’s been good.

“Coming from playing Premiership back home it is a lot different to what I have been used to but it’s been going OK.

“It was pretty frustrating the game was called off at the weekend but we had a few players missing so maybe it might turn out to be a good thing.”

But for now, Tupuola is only focusing on making sure Westcliff get back to winning ways at home to rock bottom Amersham & Chiltern this weekend.

“It is very important that we get a win on Saturday,” he added.