'Smokin' Joe' is NZ's 'most wanted'
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:20
Joe Rokocoko: The try-scoring machine returns. (c) Gallo
Joe Rokocoko is set to become the most-capped All Black wing in history on Saturday, but the try-scoring machine feels like a marked man heading into the crucial Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies.
The Blues speedster has an incredible record of 45 tries in 63 Tests and will surpass greats John Kirwan and Jonah Lomu as New Zealand's most-capped wing against Australia this weekend.
But despite his superb pedigree, Rococoko has never quite regained the form of his early international career, which made him the most feared finisher in the world.
Now, with Rene Ranger and Israel Dagg announcing themselves on the world stage with tries against the Springboks in recent weeks, 'Smokin' Joe' knows that his spot in the side is anything but secure.
"Oh man, I'm just used to it," Rokocoko told AAP, "I'm the most wanted man in New Zealand at the moment.
"Everyone wants to take my head off," he added. "It's not only Dagg. You've got another dozen wings in New Zealand whose initial goal who was to play right wing or left wing for the All Blacks."
Of course, the 27-year-old is the man in possession and he is honoured to be mentioned amongst the All Blacks' elite.
"It's a huge honour for myself considering the players who have gone before me - it's just sinking in slowly," he said.
But with the World Cup more than a year away, he says that his days in an All Blacks jersey depend on whether he can still make the grade.
"If I know I can't do the black jersey justice and play to my best it will be a better option for me to leave."
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