It looks like Joe Rokocoko has sewn up one of the wing spots for next year’s Rugby World Cup, with the Aucklander on Friday committing to stay in New Zealand until the end of next year.
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The All Blacks’ most-capped Test winger agreed to extend his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union for another year which will see him remain in the World Cup picture.
There had been conjecture the 66-Test 27-year-old could head offshore at the end of this season if he didn’t perceive himself to be in the mix for the global tournament.
But his re-signing on Friday, with the Blues as well as the NZRU, suggests he’s confident of being required for the World Cup mission.
“I am really enjoying my rugby here at home and keen to continue playing throughout the rest of the year and into 2011,” said Rokocoko.
“It’s obviously going to be a massive year for New Zealand rugby next year and I want to be part of it.”
Rokocoko started in six Tests this year, and largely made a good fist of his role in a pressure situation. After a shaky 2009 season he had to show he still had the cut and thrust required for the modern wing game.
He largely achieved that in a solid campaign for the All Blacks and looked to be more and more comfortable with the new ball-in-hand style as the Tri-Nations wore on.
There remains plenty of competition among the All Blacks’ wing contenders, with Rokocoko, Jane and Israel Dagg the trio used through the Tri-Nations, the experienced Sitiveni Sivivatu due to return soon from injury and Zac Guildford and Hosea Gear waiting patiently for their chance.
The Aucklander still has some work to do to nail down a World Cup squad, but today’s re-signing indicates he’s prepared to back himself to do just that.
Rokocoko made his All Blacks debut as a 19-year-old in 2003 and became the most capped All Blacks wing earlier this year when he ran out for his 64th Test against Australia in Melbourne in August.
He also scored his 46th Test try in the All Blacks’ 49-28 victory that night, rising to second-equal on the all-time scoring list.
Rokocoko also made his debut for the Blues in 2003 and has earned 78 caps and scored 37 tries so far in his Super Rugby career. The speedster first played for Auckland a year later and now has 180 first-class caps (Test, Super Rugby and provincial) to his name.
NZRU chief Steve Tew said Rokoccoko was “the ultimate professional” and Auckland rugby boss Andy Dalton supported that view.
“Joe is one of rugby’s finest ambassadors. The way he conducts himself on and off the field is exemplary,” said the Auckland and Blues CEO.