Rugby: Rokocoko eager for an early return

With All Black tour positions on the line, Joe Rokocoko wants as much game time for Auckland as he can get. Photo / Greg Bowker

All Black wing Joe Rokocoko has returned from leave early and wants to be involved in Auckland's next game against Hawkes Bay.

The country's most-capped wing was due to resume provincial rugby next week after some mandatory leave following the All Blacks' domestic and Tri-Nations series.

However he wants to get back into the action sooner.

His return follows the decision by fullback Mils Muliaina to play next week even though he and nine others were scheduled for no rugby before the All Blacks' five-test end-of-year trip.

The others were Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino and Sam Whitelock.

At that time All Black coach Graham Henry said many in the starting test XV had already had a big year and needed a break.

"So we are taking a sensible approach in managing their workload as we prepare for the end-of-year tour as well as the new Super Rugby competition in 2011," he said.

Rokocoko is competing in the most congested area for the All Blacks as the selectors work out the best combinations for their 30-man touring squad.

Jane was the first-choice right wing during all nine All Black tests this year while Rokocoko started in six. Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger and Zac Guildford all had one start on the wing.

Sitiveni Sivivatu has been training with Waikato after a lengthy rehab for shoulder problems. He is expected to play some provincial rugby soon.

His return has been balanced by Ranger's temporary exit with a hamstring injury, though he should recover in time for the All Black tour.

Ranger's form and ability to cover wing and centre suggests he, like the multi-talented Sivivatu, will be in the squad. And Jane makes three wings with Muliaina and Dagg as fullbacks.

That would leave Rokocoko at home with Guildford, Hosea Gear, Ben Smith and Lelia Masaga, who have all played for the All Blacks.

A number of others fighting for tour places can also deputise on the wing. Richard Kahui fell into that category until he suffered further shoulder damage and underwent season-ending surgery.

Others are Isaia Toeava and Robbie Fruean while you would reckon, at a pinch and from the bench, Sonny Bill Williams could probably fill in on the flank, too.

Fruean has been in strong form during the ITM Cup and, if anything, has been more consistent than his provincial colleague Williams, who will be chosen on a mix of form, promise and coaching needs.

Like Williams, the teenage Toeava was a special project when picked for the All Blacks' tour to Europe in 2005.

He has now played 26 tests and showed much stronger form last season and in this year's Super 14 until he underwent surgery for a longstanding hip complaint.

Toeava has been on a lengthy rehab course but has returned to training and will be close to selection for Auckland next week.