Joe Rokocoko has been trying to keep the lid on the excitement he feels as he prepares to go back into rugby battle with the Springboks for the All Blacks at Eden Park in the Tri Nations opener tomorrow.

It has been a road the 63 Test veteran has not often traveled in regaining his spot in the starting 15, but it is one he has earned on merit this year, even if critics have been saying that he is past his best.

The fact that he is 27 years old and has a record of 45 Test tries behind him, seems to count for little although the fact he and fullback Mils Muliaina made their Test debuts together and he offers New Zealand experience not many teams in the world enjoy.

But Rokocoko is realistic after being dropped from the end of season Tour last year, and having to fight his way back with the Blues, where he succeeded with try scoring that ranked with the best in the tournament.

Former All Blacks prop Richard Loe believes players like Rokocoko and Muliaina have a lot to prove tomorrow night.