All Blacks winger is 'disappointed'

All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko says that he couldn't be more disappointed not to have fullback Isa Nacewa outside of him completing the Blues formidable backline triangle, with fellow three-quarter Rudi Wulf, this weekend against the Sharks.

The 24 year old approaches a personal milestone in the Super 14 when he runs out against the Sharks for his 50th cap for the Auckland-based franchise.

Rokocoko certainly has a fine relationship with the Blues, with his older cousin - also another chief destroyer on the wing - Joeli Vidiri having played for the New Zealand giants with distinction.

However, Rokocoko will miss his partner in crime and has lamented the loss of Nacewa, but welcomed whomever would crack the nod to start on Saturday.

"Within our team culture we have faith in every player in the squad.

"We have the depth, so players like Ben Atiga and George Pisi can fit in really well when needed," he told the Blues website.

Talking about reaching his half century Rokocoko said: "It is a big milestone and an awesome achievement for me. It hasn't really sunk in yet, but as we get closer to the game it will sink in for sure."

"It's another day you will remember in your career, and there is no better team than the Blues to play 50 games for. It is the right team and the right environment."

The Blues haven't beaten the Sharks in their past four outings dating back to 2005 at Eden Park.

Even though the Blues have been the pace setters in Super rugby, they face a tough challenge from a Sharks outfit, who have also gone three games undefeated.

Playing in the sauna that Absa Stadium becomes in the sticky summer months the home side would be quietly confident of their chances of rolling the Kiwis over in Durban.

And in 2007 the Blues were felled twice, home and away, by the coastal franchise, so unlike many South African teams the Sharks don't have a mental block when playing antipodean opposition.

"Last year is last year," said Rokocoko.

"We have different standards each year and we want to perform better than last time. We are all looking forward to the challenge."

The All Black flyer has been in superlative form during the opening season having notched up four tries.

Last weekend in Bloemfontein Rokocoko showcased his finesse scoring a hat-trick against the Cheetahs as he has shown clear signs that he is in peak physical condition.

"I guess the reason I am going so well is down to the pre-season training and happy times at home as I am married now," Rokocoko said.

"But I also have refreshed my mind after the World Cup and am enjoying the extra running and covering for the fullback under the new rules.

"They have opened the game up and allow us to play the way we want to play, which also improves the spectacle and entertainment for the fans."