All Blacks: Omission beginning of end?

Joe Rokocoko could be omitted from the Grand Slam tour. Photo / Getty Images

Joe Rokocoko's season of growth and recovery could be about to have the toughest twist of all, with the big wing a looming casualty for the Grand Slam tour.

His non-selection for last night's test could be the beginning of the end - driven by the realisation that once all the relevant bodies are declared fit, there probably isn't room for Rokocoko.

Dropped for the tour in 2009 due to his crumbling confidence and failing skill-set, Rokocoko had to swallow that and move on.

But should history repeat in 2010, it won't be so easy for Rokocoko to accept his fate. A starter in every game before this weekend, his renaissance has been one of the highlights.

He's found his counter-attacking game. His pace has seemingly improved and in the second test against South Africa there was even a hint of how he was in his prime, his hips dancing a samba, his feet a tango.

This is the cruel reality of the new All Blacks. In 2009 they were desperate. In 2010, there is the luxury of choice; even players as good as Rokocoko can feel the cold blade after a season most would rate at least seven out of 10.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has already warned a number of top players are likely to miss out, particularly as Andrew Hore, Isaia Toeava, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Jason Eaton are all making strong progress in their rehabilitation.

Sivivatu holds the key to Rokocoko's immediate future. The former is such a freakish talent, if he declares himself fit, even if he hasn't played a game to prove it, the selectors will most likely still take him.

They believe he is one of the few players in world rugby who could miss six months, as Sivivatu has, and play a test after a couple of weeks' training.

They also believe he is the pick of their wings - a runner who can cover fullback, a game-breaker who can pull off the impossible and a player who is more astute and accurate than appearances often suggest.

While Rokocoko may have been a seven out of 10, Cory Jane has been at least an eight. He's another auxiliary fullback - as happy with a wet ball as he is a dry one. He's got too much and done too much to be left out.

Rene Ranger has piqued the interest of a coaching panel who love a rough diamond.

His positional work is loose at times and he can be greedy - failing to see the bigger picture - but Ranger has the priceless talent of being able to beat players one-on-one. He's different, a wild card who could potentially play centre.

If Toeava is in the mix for his exceptional utility value, then he can cover wing, as can Richard Kahui, who has played more tests there than he has at centre.

Then, of course, there is Dagg. At the start of the season there would have been no contest between the new boy and Rokocoko. But now... ?

The newly confirmed Crusader has been a revelation. He scored a miracle try against the 'Boks when he beat four people to wrap up the second test and scored the clincher in Soweto. He also made the most accomplished debut at fullback and, at 22, he's a man everyone wants to see more of.

"He has made a difference all year," said Henry of Dagg's selection to start last night. "This is a pat on the back for what he has done in the nine tests. He has fitted in very easily and he has been banging on the door pretty loudly for some time."

A bit like Jane, Dagg is one of those players who makes things happen and, right now, that is what the All Blacks are after from their wings. They also need to be water-tight under the high ball and, as a potential goal-kicker, Dagg ticks more boxes than Rokocoko.

A necessary victim last year, Rokocoko might be a victim of circumstance in 2010. He might win a reprieve if Sivivatu can't make the trip but that's all.

Off contract at the end of this year, he is in talks to stay until 2011 and says he wants to be here for the World Cup.

But that might have to be reviewed if he doesn't make the cut for the Grand Slam tour.