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Springboks v All Blacks

ozbash

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Graham Henry is like a racehorse trainer who cannot face the prospect of trucking his favourite thoroughbred off to the glue factory.
Just last week the exasperated All Blacks coach axed Rokocoko from the All Blacks team to play Australia because of poor form.
But despite the wing's replacement, Cory Jane, doing little wrong in the 22-16 win at Eden Park Henry has promoted Rokocoko back into the side to play the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning.
While Brendon Leonard's start at halfback – he replaces Jimmy Cowan in the only other change to the stating side – was not unexpected, the return of Rokocoko again proves that Henry reckons he can still get the best out of the 26-year-old and is hoping the firm ground at Vodacom Park will be just the tonic for him to spark-up his jet shoes.
Henry's explanation for the switch was that Rokocoko's experience of playing in South Africa would prove invaluable, but it more likely signals his men will employ a much more expansive game-plan than the one utilised against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Against the Aussies the All Blacks played a conservative game based around the kicking game of pivot Stephen Donald and although Jane did all that was required in his kick-chase role he got few chances with the ball in hand. Now he finds himself back on the bench.
"He knows the score, he knows what's required and the alternatives in that position have not had that experience," Henry said in defence of the decision.
"That was a much easier selection than the Cowan-Leonard selection. Joe's form this year hasn't been great. He's played well over the last couple of weeks and I think he's ready to go."
This will be Rokocoko's 56th test and he has scored nine tries against South Africa, one behind Christian Cullen's try scoring record of 10.
His return to the line-up is another massive show of faith by Henry and when prodded further on the reasoning behind the U-turn, he gave off clear signals that he believes Rokocoko can run himself back into form.
"You can only prove yourself by getting another chance. You can't prove yourself by sitting in the stand watching the game. They all want an opportunity … We just try to get the balance right, Cory's had an opportunity and Joe gets another one."
Rokocoko, who has only scored two test tries since the 2007 World Cup admitted he was eager to operate on a field not bogged down by the rain that has dogged the All Blacks in the domestic tests this year.
"Wayne Smith was reminding me how good the track is and that it is the ideal place to play running rugby for the wingers. The backs are enjoying some good hard running and hopefully we can do well."
Having already hinted that Leonard would get a start in South Africa because he believes his running game is better suited to the firm fields, Henry also noted the No 9 possesses the speed to get catch opposition defenders napping.
"He's a quick player, he's pretty sharp on the break."
Given that Wayne Smith was so positive in his feedback on the way Cowan performed against the Wallabies, the Southlander would every right to feel miffed.
"You'd be disappointed if they didn't feel that way. But he's a great team man, Jimmy and he's been exceptionally positive after receiving the news from me.
All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane.
Springboks: Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Fouire du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (c), Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Ryan Kankowski, Ricky Januarie, Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/2666389/Henrys-faith-in-Rokocoko-remains-strong
 
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