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DURBAN - The controversial All Blacks' reconditioning programme got a thumbs-up from Sitiveni Sivivatu, saying he felt as sharp as ever as he resumes test rugby's most absorbing tryscoring duel with his cousin here on Sunday (NZT).
The Fijian flyer will line up for his fourth consecutive test
in as many weeks in the Tri-Nations match against South Africa.
On the other wing is Joe Rokocoko, the pair running on to Absa Stadium for just their sixth test together in the starting 15.
Between them they have 54 test tries for the All Blacks at an impressive ratio -- Sivivatu 17 from 15 tests and Rokocoko 37 from 41.
After tests against France and Canada, Sivivatu has his nose in front 3-2 over Rokocoko in 2007, although he's played an extra test.
Sivivatu's All Blacks career, which began with a four-try romp against his country of birth at Albany in 2005, has also been dotted by pesky injuries.
He missed the entire 2005 Tri-Nations then returned only for the two South African tests of last year's tournament at Pretoria and Rustenberg when he looked well short of a gallop.
This year it's been a different story.
After hitting top form on the end-of-season tour with a double in the 49-3 hammering of France at Lyon, then a three-try bag in the finale against Wales, he had an extended break from Super 14 with 21 other frontline All Blacks on coach Graham Henry's orders.
It took time to reach top gear with the Chiefs but Sivivatu, 25, feels mercifully injury-free and at the top of his game as the All Blacks eye their first big test of World Cup year.
"I've had too many injuries for the last three years and managed to get back into it. It has helped me a lot," he said at the team's Durban beachfront hotel.
"I'm just building from where I left off. That's a good start for the Tri-Nations. I'm pretty happy."
And his status as the most-used All Black so far this year? It seems Henry and his sidekicks Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have found the key.
"I enjoy playing every week and I need match fitness. I only played about five games in Super 14 and I'm enjoying every opportunity I get."
Both All Blacks wingers maintain early touches of the ball provide a big lift in confidence. Last weekend against Canada, Sivivatu lurked behind a ruck and scythed through for the opening try in the fourth minute, then threw a pinpoint cut-out pass for Luke McAlister to score the All Blacks' second.
The All Blacks watched replays of the Springboks-Wallabies test on their laptop computers on the long flight, and Sivivatu noted how the home side were more willing to throw the ball around.
He was relishing the chance to get the sun on his back in an afternoon kickoff this weekend, and said the All Blacks would "definitely" be looking to use the ball and make the big Boks chase.
It's also been a slow road back for Rokocoko, who returned to Auckland club rugby to find some form before the June tests.
"He's been playing well. He's been there and he's done it. A few people write him off but he's shown what he's capable of," Sivivatu said.
The sun returned in Durban today with pleasant mid-20degC temperatures. The All Blacks were given the day off training, and the option of fishing or golf.
- NZPA