KEY POINTS:
For much of the 22-week spell Joe Rokocoko spent on the sidelines nursing his damaged wrist he had one thing on his mind: getting back in the All Blacks.
Recently though, he admitted, his focus changed.
With All Blacks coach Graham Henry rating the winger, with 43 test
tries in 48 international appearances, an extreme long shot to feature in the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane next weekend, Rokocoko has dedicated himself to helping turn around the fortunes of a struggling Auckland side.
"I was more hungry to get back in [the All Blacks] in the beginning," he said. "But being in this environment you want to give more. I want to commit myself more to this team, especially with the times we are going through at the moment. This is my main focus."
But the fractured cheekbone that has ruled Anthony Tuitavake out of the Brisbane reckoning may yet see Rokocoko back in black ahead of schedule. He admitted that scenario wasn't something he had completely given up hope on, although the end-of-year tour to Europe still looks a more realistic prospect.
"I had a good talk with the [All Blacks] management team and trying to get game time and match fitness was the big thing. I am not expecting to go over there [Brisbane]. I'm just expecting to get as much game time as I can in the NPC.
"If it does come, I am always up for the challenge. I'm sure Graham knows that. So who knows? As long as you are mentally prepared you are always ready to step up."
Rokocoko will be out to show just how ready he is in Auckland's Ranfurly Shield defence against Southland this afternoon. He impressed with a couple of neat early touches during his comeback match against Waikato last weekend but somewhat drifted out of the match as it wore on.
His chances may again be limited today. Getting their outside backs involved is something Auckland have struggled with this season, scoring just 69 points in five matches.
Surprisingly, Rokocoko hasn't exactly dominated in his limited national championship appearances, scoring just five tries in 17 games since debuting for Auckland in 2004.
But with Auckland languishing in 12th place, the flying winger is desperate to make an impact.
"I have got to start leading more by example now. Playing wing that is pretty hard to do but I was a bit disappointed with last week. I should really have stepped up, got the ball more and tried to get the boys going. You can always do the encouragement talk but if you don't do too much [on the field] they can't really look up to you."
The increased emphasis on kicking for territory created by the ELVs is another factor Rokocoko knows could well limit his impact.
"It is kick and chase and pretty much ping-pong every time. So any chance you do get you need to take by the horns and really go forward."
In an effort to adapt his game to the new environment he has been working on kicking with his left foot and challenging for possession in the air, but a player who relishes the chance to counter-attack from deep isn't exactly a fan of the way the game has changed.
With the likes of Tuitavake and Rudi Wulf struggling to make an impact during Rokocoko's absence from the test team, questions have been asked about the quality and depth of the country's wing stocks.
Of more immediate concern, however, is the challenge posed by a rugged foe that poses a very serious threat to Auckland's grip on the Ranfurly Shield. Rokocoko is confident Auckland can still turn their stuttering season around.
"You've got to keep you faith in the team and keep trusting the game plan. And if you do lose, learn from those experiences."
