Joe Rokocoko can feel things coming together after scoring a couple of tries - and a couple of bruises - for the All Blacks wider training squad. Now he's just got to wait to see if he's done enough to make the end of year tour.

Severely light on match play, the 25-year-old has been drawing on his vast experience to make a late bid for an All Blacks recall after missing out on all of the test action this year because of frustrating injuries.

So to get a full 80 minutes of action against the New Zealand Barbarians in Auckland on Wednesday was a blessing for Rokocoko.

And he took his chances with a lively display on the right wing that featured a try in each half as the All Blacks squad overcame a sluggish start to eventually overpower the Baabaas 56-10.

He was happy to see a bit of ball, delighted to get across the try-line but perhaps most happy to cop a couple of thumping tackles from a fired-up Barbarians side who were determined to leave a mark or two on their illustrious opposition.

"They were really physical. We needed something like that, especially someone like myself," said Rokocoko who has had just a handful of games for the Blues and Auckland this year either side of wrist and hamstring injuries.

He admitted it was strange to "get up" for a midweek game coming straight after a couple of days of intense training. But he, more than most, had plenty to play for.

"It could be better," he modestly said of his effort. "I took a while to get going. I'm just happy that the body got a few bumps and bruises. This week has all been contact training and this game as well."

The wonder wing who has scored 43 tries in 48 tests reckons it's finally coming together for him. He's just hoping it hasn't come too late.

Asked if he felt he could play a test next week, he paused and then replied: "If I prepared well during the week I would be confident enough. In the end it's in the head ... if you are ready to go, you've ticked all the boxes and you know you are doing well that week ... I would be confident enough.

"But I can't really tell at the moment. I have had three days of contact training. If I had a good solid two weeks of training, I'd be a hundy (100%) to be honest."

Rokocoko realises he's living on reputation as far as his selection chances are concerned.

But it's a reputation that none of his wing rivals can match.

Backed with some welcomed glimpses of returning form, that might just be enough to book him a flight to Hong Kong where the All Blacks meet Australia and then on to Edinburgh for the start of a grand slam tour.