Joe Rokocoko tells England there’ll be more pain in New Zealand

 
Veteran: Rokocoko has been named in the Barbarians side to face an England XV at Twickenham
Nik Simon30 May 2014

New Zealand winger Joe Rokocoko says England will be stepping into a “fortress” when they take on the All Blacks in their first Test at Eden Park next Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster’s side have already landed in New Zealand and, despite missing key players from Premiership finalists Saracens and Northampton, preparations are well underway for the difficult three-Test Series with the world champions.

Rokocoko has been named in a Barbarians side to take on an England XV at Twickenham this Sunday and the 68-cap veteran believes England’s 11-year wait for a victory on New Zealand soil is set to continue. “I’m sure the All Blacks are smart enough to not approach them as a half-strength team,” said Rokocoko (above), referring to the absence of key figures such as Owen Farrell for the opening fixture.

“They’re all world-class players with a natural talent. It’s not like they can’t run or anything!

“But it’s going to be tough for England. At home the All Blacks pride themselves on making sure no one intrudes their backyard. Eden Park is like a fortress for us. The mentality is to protect our house. We haven’t lost there since 1994 [against France] — it was Jonah Lomu’s first Test and it’s still fresh in my mind.”

New Zealand are still the most dominant team in world rugby but the southern hemisphere giants have shown signs of concern at players leaving for foreign shores.

Rokocoko plays in France with Bayonne and — following the move of 24-year-old Bundee Aki to Irish province Connacht — coach Steve Hansen has hit out at young players giving up their dream of playing for the All Blacks to seek easier options overseas.

“The trend has increased over the past three or four years,” said Rokocoko. “It’s tough because we’re such a small country but the guys want to explore things. But the good thing about the New Zealand system is that there’s always a kid knocking on the door. There’s a massive line waiting for the All Blacks jersey.

“The aura will always live on — just like it has lived on from guys like Colin Meads to guys today like Richie McCaw. Every All Black knows their time in the jersey is precious. You’re the caretaker of the jersey and it is your job to continue that aura.”

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