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EDINBURGH - Joe Rokocoko may be one of the most experienced All Blacks selected to play Scotland on Sunday (NZT) but in many ways he feels like the three new caps chosen to start their test rugby careers at Murrayfield.
While Liam Messam, Kieran Read and Jamie Mackintosh
contemplate their first full international, Rokocoko also likens his 49th cap to a new beginning.
The match also represents Rokocoko's return to his comfort zone, the home away from home denied him since he collided with the Queenland Reds Drew Mitchell in mid March.
Rokocoko went to put a fend on the Wallabies winger but snapped ligaments in his right wrist when he connected with Mitchell's shoulder.
It seemed innocuous at the point of contact but the underlying damage was severe.
Surgery and rehabilitation were necessary just as Rokocoko was hoping to join his fellow-World Cup survivors and work out his frustrations on Ireland, England and their Tri-Nations rivals.
Instead Rokocoko has had to wait 13 months to play his first test since experiencing the despair of the All Blacks quarterfinal exit in Cardiff.
It has been a long time coming, and kickoff cannot happen soon enough for Rokocoko, who is anxious to rediscover the try-scoring prowess that has seen him touch down 43 times in 48 tests.
By doing so he will also repay the faith of the All Blacks management, who clearly chose Rokocoko on the strength of his reputation - not the prerequisite of Super 14 form.
Rokocoko played just five games for the Blues and then the Air NZ Cup was hardly a forum to belatedly stake a claim.
He managed just three and a bit games for Auckland thanks to a hamstring strain that compounded his most unfulfilling season since he shimmied and swan-dived on to the international stage before the 2003 World Cup.
While that campaign also ended in failure, the desolation of the All Blacks' 18-20 loss to France last October has been harder to shake.
"It's been a frustrating year," he said, stating the obvious.
"But I've just chucked it in the back of my mind now."
Rokocoko sat patiently sideline while a new generation of wingers laid claim to his position - Anthony Tuitavake, Rudi Wulf and even centre Richard Kahui.
Hosea Gear joined the contenders thanks to a record 14 tries for Wellington and made his debut in Hong Kong last weekend.
Now Rokocoko can finally is state his case, not that either wing is his by right.
"You never own this jersey, you're more of a caretaker," he said.
"But since last year I just wanted to come back. I've been a part of this team since 2003 ... I know what this team's all about and you miss it - you miss the challenges, the environment and the big games, the big test matches.
"Being chosen for the squad was a true blessing for me. I feel like I'm making my debut again."
Since the World Cup the All Blacks have undergone a massive change in personnel.
"There are a lot of new faces, new young guys bringing a lot of excitement and enthusiasm," Rokocoko said.
And that injection of exuberance has rubbed off: "I feel fresh again, this is a new challenge for me, being a part of this team again."
Rokocoko has also had to come to terms with a new job requirement - the ELVS have placed an increased emphasis on a wing's ability to kick for territory.
Kahui's kicking skills twice saw him played out of position on the wing against the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations.
Rokocoko admitted his punts were still a work in progress.
"I did a stupid kick and did my hammy while doing it," said Rokocoko, explaining his latest injury setback against Bay of Plenty.
"With these new laws there's a lot of kicking, it's a skill we (wings) have to have.
"Our 20-minute window at the end of training for work-ons used to be about passing. Now it's changed to catching high balls and kicking."
Rokocoko has another chance to put boot to ball tomorrow when the All Blacks hold their last training session before Saturay's light captain's run.
- NZPA
