All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko cannot wait for the British & Irish Lions tour to get underway so he can test himself at the highest level.
The 21-year-old Auckland player made his name in 2003 with performances against England, Wales and France, and he also starred in the World Cup.
However, he has found playing time at club level more difficult to come by and is pleased to still be in the frame.
"The coaches had faith in me for the end-of-year tour last year even though my performances weren’t that great in the NPC," he told the Cape Times.
"I’m up for the challenge. Players are putting up their hands this year because they want to play in those tests.
"It doesn’t come around very often and you’ll be a part of history if you play against the Lions.
"One of the best Tests I have ever watched in my life was the one between Australia and the Lions in Sydney.
"There was hardly a knock-on. The skill rate was so high. It was full-on for the whole 80 minutes.
"Those are the kind of things you really want to be a part of."
