It's not often the northern town of Kerikeri gets credited with saving an All Black's rugby career.
But Graham Henry admitted Fijian flyer Joe Rokocoko shoved the axe from his throat with a two-try performance for Auckland against Northland on Saturday.
Rokocoko retained his spot on the right wing toface the Wallabies here on Saturday, scene of his stunning three-try haul back in 2003 which helped the All Blacks snatch back the Bledisloe Cup to begin their current tenure.
It's been leaner pickings in recent times for the 57-test veteran, with just one try in his last 10 tests, but Henry saw some of the magic return as Rokocoko drank at Kerikeri's version of the Last Chance Saloon.
"It was a big selection. Siti (Sitiveni Sivivatu) is obviously cemented in there but Joe's played one good test in South Africa and one poor test match," Henry said today.
"If we were selecting it prior to Saturday he probably wouldn't have got in, but he played very well for Auckland, as good as I've seen him play for a long time.
"He scored a couple of tries and had a big hand in the other two, so he sort of saved his bacon, really."
Rokocoko's error-ridden display in the 19-31 defeat to the Springboks in Durban saw Wellington utility Cory Jane firm dramatically to reclaim the No 14 jersey he wore in the 22-16 win over the Wallabies in Auckland.
But in a tough call for Jane, he missed the squad altogether as Ma'a Nonu was benched.
In recent seasons the All Blacks have opted for a safety-first option on the wing against the Wallabies, such as Jane at Eden Park and Richard Kahui in Sydney last year.
Even Rokocoko felt he was for the chop last weekend, describing his chances of facing the Wallabies as "pretty slim".
"I have to admit I did have a shocker (against the Springboks)," he said.
But Henry kept the faith, and Rokocoko will get another chance to add to his 44 test tries as the All Blacks seek to retain the Bledisloe Cup with two tests to spare.
