Rugby: Rokocoko goes back to school

Rokocoko is sidelining his All Blacks aspirations for the Blues. Photo / NZ Herald

Joe Rokocoko isn't thinking about playing for the All Blacks again, at least not for the time being, as he attempts to rediscover the sort of form that made him one of the most devastating wings in world rugby.

The 26-year-old has endured a difficult couple of years as he's battled with a combination of poor form and the ELVs which didn't suit his game.

He was even left behind for last year's end-of-year tour in favour of Cory Jane, Zac Guildford and Sitiveni Sivivatu - the first time he missed out on an All Blacks northern tour since he made his test debut in 2003.

A reputation built on 45 tries in 60 test matches wasn't enough any more as the All Blacks selectors pitched their faith in newer models.

Rokocoko got to experience this first hand when he lined up against his former team-mates playing for the Barbarians in their 25-18 defeat of the All Blacks at Twickenham.

"It was hard for the first week [when the All Blacks were away]," Rokocoko admits. "The NPC had finished and I was at a loose end. But then I realised I could spend some time with my family, which was really, really important.

"I didn't miss out on six weeks of watching my son grow, which was awesome for me. It was a good time for me to get away from rugby for a change.

"After four weeks, it felt wrong being at home because normally I am away with the All Blacks. When I feel like that, it's a good sign because it shows that I want to start again. I have trained really hard over the last few weeks and I feel fresh mentally and physically. I'm really excited."

It's hoped this translates itself into form. Rokocoko was reportedly impressive in the Blues' final trial against the Crusaders in Motueka last week, scoring a try in their 21-12 defeat.

He's also hopeful the new rule interpretations being introduced this season will suit his game more than those which precipitated endless kicking duels.

His kicking game and aerial skills were found wanting last season as the demands of a wing changed dramatically and it didn't help he was starved of ball in space when playing for the All Blacks because of New Zealand's issues at lineout time and in general back play.

Super 14 teams have said they will embrace an edict for more entertaining rugby in 2010 but how much kicking is reduced won't be known until the season proper kicks off. It would be naive to suggest winning isn't the primary concern.

Rokocoko feels a sense of obligation to the Blues. In the past he might have been distracted by the bigger picture - the All Blacks - but with no guarantee he will ever pull on the black jersey again he is focusing entirely on the Blues.

After all, a poor season with them won't help his cause for an All Blacks recall.

"I want to give big to the Blues this year," he says. "The Blues and my team-mates have given a lot to me in the past and now I want to give back to them by being an awesome Blues player. That fire is burning quite strongly.

"The All Blacks aren't on my mind at the moment. I have put my All Blacks ambitions away. It's time I stepped up [with the Blues]. With Ali Williams gone for the season [with injury], I am one of the senior players and have to take on more responsibility.

"It's time for the Blues to be contenders again. We have to get that respect back and the only way we're going to do that is by making the top four again."