Rokocoko's Pacific pride

Fijian-born All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko has called for smaller countries such as those in the Pacific Islands to be offered more exposure against rugby’s elite to aid their development.

Rokocoko was Fiji’s most vociferous supporter when his homeland drew 16-all with Wales last weekend, as he shouted and cheered from the All Blacks team hotel in Dublin.

“I loved it. I was the loudest,” the 68-Test All Blacks veteran told AAP.

“It just proves the more games the smaller southern hemisphere nations get over here the better they’re going to get.”

Rokocoko was very proud of Fiji’s efforts against Wales, as he gears up for the Test against Warren Gatland’s side, who must be dreading a rampant All Blacks team fresh from walking over England, Scotland and Ireland.

Samoa have been equally impressive in their last two outings, after giving both Ireland and England a scare

“The results have shown in the past few weeks… It used to be a 50-plus score, now it’s down 20-plus max and even closer,” Rokocoko continued.

“The more these guys get exposed to the bigger teams… They’ll get used to the pace of the game, they know what to expect in set pieces at international level.”