Auckland's outgoing coach Pat Lam says Joe Rokocoko's making a timely return to top rugby after being out since March when he broke a wrist in the Super 14.
The All Black willl be on the left wing in Hamilton on Saturday night in place of David Smith who was injured in the home win over Manawatu.
Lam's last match as coach before taking over at the Blues is against a Waikato side desperate for its first win this season in the provincial championship.
With Jarek Goebel also injured and Watisoni Lotawa suspended, Lam's had to start a 19-year-old newcomer, Simon Munro, on the right wing.
So he says it's good to have Rokocoko back.
Southland host Counties-Manukau in tonight's first match.