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AIX EN PROVENCE - Joe Rokocoko didn't feel the need to console his cousin and fellow-All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu after the latter's forgettable rugby outing at Edinburgh on Monday (NZ time).
Sivivatu recorded his least impressive outing in 19 tests, his hands and execution letting him down on several occasions during the 40-0 World Cup defeat of Scotland.
Rokocoko, who wasn't in the squad of 22 at Murrayfield, said his post-match message to the normally-reliable Sivivatu was not a long one.
"I just said `good game cuz'," Rokocoko said.
However, he insisted that if there were problems out wide, none of the three wingers was averse to quietly advising another of areas to focus on.
Clearly Sivivatu didn't need to be reminded where he had gone wrong.
"The guys who don't play can actually see what's happening and can give feedback at halftime or during training," Rokocoko said.
"For guys to play well, you can't be selfish and just keep it in the corner, otherwise your team doesn't go as far."
Doug Howlett appears to leap-frogged the Fijian-born pair into pole position for the wing berths during the tournament's latter stages.
It means Saturday's test against Romania in Toulouse takes on extra cadence, for Sivivatu especially, who will hope to take advantage of even the faintest opportunity.
There was no animosity between the trio of flyers, Rokocoko said.
"After selection's been we pretty much shake Dougie's hand or Siti's hand. Whoever's not starting, you go and appreciate each other's selection," Rokocoko said.
The scorer of 40 test tries, Rokocoko is still eight behind the new All Blacks record-holder in tests Howlett.
Rokocoko described Munster-bound Howlett as an "ambassador for New Zealand rugby" who would be missed, such was his commitment and professionalism.
"He's broken so many records this year, he's happier now and he's enjoying his footy," Rokocoko said.
"He's going to make sure he leaves this team on a high note."
- NZPA
