New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko admits the pressure is on for him to produce a performance after being called up for the Tri-Nations clash with Australia.

The 27-year-old missed his side's most recent match of the competition with a hamstring injury, but is back in the starting XV for the trip to Melbourne on Saturday.

Rokocoko's understudies Rene Ranger and Israel Dagg excelled in his absence as each scored a try in the 31-17 victory against South Africa in Wellington.

And the 63-Test veteran realises that he must prove his worth as a starter again to avoid falling out of favour with coach Graham Henry.

"I'm just used to it. I'm the man most wanted at the moment in New Zealand, they'll take my head off," Rokocoko said.

"It's not only Dagg, there's another 1000 wingers in New Zealand. This is just the first tier of guys that are coming up in their careers."

The Blues star will become New Zealand's most capped specialist winger when he lines up in the Bledisloe Cup contest.

But opinion remains split over his place in the current All Blacks squad, an issue Henry makes no attempt to avoid.

"Obviously he's under pressure. There's other guys playing well in that position. We've gone for the guy who's been there and done it and done it well in the past," he said.

Reports in his homeland have speculated that Rokocoko, whose national rugby contract expires before the end of the year, might make a move to Europe, with French club Toulon a possible destination.

"If I know I can't do the black jersey justice and play to my best, then it's a better option for me to leave and carry on," said Rokocoko.

"Obviously the World Cup (in 2011) is going to be a major goal. The main goal is just getting on this team."

planetrugby.com

28/07/2010