Joe Rokocoko had been around at the time, he could have been the inspiration for Rocket Man, Elton John's 1970s hit single. It is astonishing to think that the Fijian-born New Zealand wing has, at the age of only 25, scored 43 tries in 49 international matches, a total that puts him fourth in the all-time All Blacks scoring charts. Do not bet against him marking his 50th appearance this afternoon against Ireland at Croke Park by adding to that remarkable tally and inching closer to Doug Howlett's record of 49.

Rokocoko did earn the Rocket Man tag after scoring 17 times in his first 12 internationals in 2003, but he has found life more difficult in the past year. His form dipped after New Zealand were knocked out of the World Cup last year and then he suffered a thumb injury, which kept him out of the reckoning last summer. Last week's return against Scotland was his first since the quarter-final defeat by France in October of last year.

Today Rokocoko moves to the right wing from his preferred position on the left, to accommodate the equally free-scoring Sitiveni Sivivatu, a fellow Fijian, in an explosive combination that could cause damage to Ireland's hopes. Rokocoko is simply glad to be back in a competitive environment.

“I've been part of this team since 2003 - you miss the big games, the Test matches,” he said. “Last week was like making my debut again. Once you've been part of this team you want to stay in it. It is a special team.”

Although Rokocoko, who made his debut against England in June 2003, did not score against Scotland last weekend, Wayne Smith, the New Zealand backs coach, saw enough to be convinced that he was on his way back. “He has had a frustrating time with injuries,” Smith said. “But he's looked really quick in training and he was quick last week. When he hits the turbos he's been pretty impressive. He and Sivi complement each other. They have big hearts and I certainly would not want to be marking them.”

The 6ft 2in wing was once rumoured to be a target for clubs in Europe, but he says that he never seriously considered joining the trek to the northern hemisphere, as Howlett and Rico Gear have done in pursuit of a new challenge and a healthy pay-cheque. “I want to be a great All Black, not just an All Black,” he said. “Reaching 50 caps is all part of that.”

Smokin' Joe

Fiji-born Joe Rokocoko moved to south Auckland with his family when he was 5. He made his debut aged 20 years and eight days.

In 2003 he scored 17 tries in 12 internationals, a world record for a calendar year.

He and Sitiveni Sivivatu, a fellow wing, regard themselves as cousins because Sivivatu lived with the Rokocoko family, but they are not related.