Rokocoko eyes AB November tour
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:48
The All Blacks will keep a beady eye on Auckland's Air New Zealand (NZ) Cup clash on Saturday, as one Joe Rokocoko makes a timely return from injury to bolster his side's stakes over Waikato.
After five months out of professional rugby with a wrist injury, Rokocoko doesn't expect to be rushed into the Test arena just yet - the end of year tour is his goal.
However, with both Auckland and the All Blacks struggling in the wing department, the sight of the 48-Test try-scoring machine back in action couldn't have come at a better time.
With Auckland losing David Smith to a rib injury and newcomer Watisoni Lotawa to suspension, Auckland coach Pat Lam had no hesitation in getting the 25-year-old Rokocoko back in the mix once he got the all-clear from the medical staff earlier this week.
Rokocoko has had to watch the second half of the Super 14, the entire Test season and the start of the Air NZ Cup unfold while he has been sidelined - which he admitted has been a frustrating time.
"I've watched a lot of footy and got sick of it. You want to play," Rokocoko told rugbyheaven.co.nz, adding that he was confident the wrist was ready for action.
"It's [wrist] coming along well, it's been a long time. I've been really looking forward to it and just making sure this week there was no soreness whatsoever. So it's all good."
The nature of Rokocoko's injury meant he had been able to keep up his aerobic fitness, whilst being cleared for some contact work at training recently.
"Obviously you can run around the track a few times and that does count for your base work. But game fitness is the key. Hopefully I can blow out a few cobwebs in the first few minutes, get the old kick and chase going well.
"I've had two weeks' worth of contact so hopefully I will just work my way in this weekend," he said.
Rokocoko believed it would take about three weeks before he was fully up to speed again, but was determined to get off to a good start in Hamilton on Saturday.
"I've got to be switched on and really energised to play well."
Rokocoko admitted that All Blacks coaches and medical staff had been "really good" with their contact during his rehabilitation - the resounding message for the All Black wing being to make a full recovery and not to take any shortcuts.
"Be patient and do things right was the main thing. I've already sacrificed a few months - the last thing you want is to rush it for one game and then you are out for another few months," he said.
Sitiveni Sivivatu has been the All Blacks' first choice left wing in Rokocoko's absence, but have mixed and matched on the right.
Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake have had mixed results, while the selectors have since gone for a successful makeshift option in playing centre Richard Kahui on the right wing for the All Blacks' last two Tri-Nations' wins over Australia and South Africa.
Rokocoko has been excited by the development of the 2008 All Blacks, who now have the chance to retain both the Tri-Nations title and the Bledisloe Cup by beating the Wallabies in Brisbane on September 13.
"They [the All Blacks] are going really well. They are starting to believe in themselves more...there's more confidence there. It's more aggressive and more physical than ever," noted the 43 Test-try scorer.
Rokocoko would obviously want to be part of the Test scene again, considering the major All Black tour looming - with the Hong Kong Test against Australia being played on the way to the Grand Slam trip up north in November.
"The All Blacks are always a goal. But I have to play well in this [Auckland] team and this competition [Air NZ Cup] to build that confidence and game fitness up and get going again," Rokocoko added.
Auckland coach Lam was delighted to have Rokocoko involved alongside his current Test players, especially given Auckland's problems out wide.
"Joe's return is very timely," said Lam.
"He's really excited. He's been with the squad and just waiting for the clearance. He's got that now so he's really looking forward to it.
"You could see the relief when he was given the all-clear to go again. We're not expecting Joe to step straight back into being where he was at All Black level. It's going to take a bit of time. But it's just great that he can get back out there and be part of it."
"He's been told to hold off and sometimes I'd get a bit concerned because he's thrown himself into the contact areas he shouldn't have. That just shows he is keen," Lam added.
