Joe Rokocoko signs contract extension to play at World Cup for New Zealand
New Zealand winger Joe Rokocoko has signed an extension to his All Blacks contract, which will run until the end of 2011.
The news ties the experienced player down for the World Cup next year. The 27-year-old has made 66 appearances for his country. He also turned down an offer from Toulon to sign a new contract with domestic
side the Auckland Blues.
"I'm really enjoying my rugby here at home and keen to continue playing throughout the rest of the year and into 2011. It's obviously going to be a massive year for New Zealand rugby next year and I want
to be part of it," he said.
This is big news for the New Zealand rugby team because Rokocoko is one of the most effective players in the team. He has great quality, which will keep him in the side.
Great quality
Rokocoko is a very fast and strong player. His pace makes him useful in wide areas because he can out run any defender over a short area. It also makes him useful when tracking back in defence. His strength
allows him to hold off a lot of defensive challenges.
He has great experience of playing at international level. This gives him an edge over most defenders in other international teams. He knows how to score tries and has the ability to do so frequently.
His experience will also help to ease the nerves of younger players in the All Blacks team.
His passing and handling are superb. These are basic parts of the game for any player but Rokocoko never gives the ball away. This allows New Zealand to build heavy spells of pressure. His passing is fantastic,
whether it be a long pass across the field or a pass back inside to another attacking player.
Betting advice
Rokocoko will be a dominant member of the Kiwi side at the World Cup. Have a punt on him being the top scorer in the competition before he starts scoring tries and shortening these odds.
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