Meet the new and improved Joe Rokocoko

Joe Rokocoko

Fijian winger Joe Rokocoko says his time away from the All Blacks has allowed him to manage "what is upstairs" and add a little more oomph to his already powerful legs.

Recalled for the Tri-Nations in place of Auckland team-mate Doug Howlett, the quietly spoken Rokocoko was said to have been surprised at his exclusion from the All Black team which went on to trounce the Lions 3-0. And this week he missed the cut again for the Newlands showdown with South Africa.

He had an indifferent Super 12 season and, with competition for wing spots fierce, Rokocoko's axing has perhaps been a timely wake-up call.

So what has he learned from his time away from the All Blacks? Plenty, it seems.

"I had a meeting with [All Blacks assistant coach] Wayne Smith, before I went away with the Junior All Blacks, and talked about where I was going wrong.

"The big one was I wasn't mentally strong enough. I was too busy worrying about other people and not myself."

As a result he has made a real effort to keep his off-field commitments with family, friends and fans in check.

"It is being more selfish. I have got to say 'no' sometimes. I have been saying 'yes' too many times and you kind of wear yourself down too much.

"Now I have learned to organise myself better and mental preparation ... I sort everything out three days before the game and have a clear mind going into the game. I have my own expectations and not have others' on your shoulders."

Ideas or theories he tried during the Junior All Blacks campaign in Australia?

"I went on to the field and didn't care what the outcome was and how I played, I just played," he said. "It is as simple as that, just switching your mind into different areas and being more positive."

And it seemed to work. His form in the Junior All Blacks team, and for Auckland against the Lions, showed signs of improvement.

"I am a better Joe. I am feeling more powerful running wise. I have really concentrated, in my time away, on strengthening my legs to be real powerful like the class wingers that are playing right now.

"The wingers that have been performing have the strong step, for the Fijians it has been Sitiveni [Sivivatu] and Rupeni [Caucaunibuca] ... because they have tough legs they can really step and be powerful so I had to get myself ready and sorted out. I am feeling strong and confident."

So confident that he says there is little chance of similar off-field distractions creeping back into his game.

"There is no fear now. I have been fighting my fears for the past few months ... this is just the start of my journey. I have to control my mind. Being overseas [with the Junior All Blacks and with the New Zealand sevens team] was a time for Joe to go back and reflect on the things he can do.

"I am confident I can control what is upstairs and carry on and play."

Blasting on to the international scene in 2003, Rokocoko quickly made his mark, scoring a record 17 test tries.

Such was his entry that he was nominated by the International Rugby Players' Association as the 2003 Player of the Year.

High expectations to live up to, as Rokocoko found out.

But what a time to be resurfacing into the All Black set-up as the Tri-Nations series beckons.

"It is not only the backs but the forwards are very mobile as well. Everyone wants to get it out to you. There is no second thoughts which I love so much ... you know the ball is coming straight away. It makes you know the team has confidence in you."

Joe Rokocoko

Born: Nadi, June 6, 1983
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 98kg
Tests: 23
Test points: 135 (27 tries)
Test debut: June 14, 2003 v England at Wellington
NPC Team: Auckland
Super 12 Team: Blues