Rugby: Auckland welcome back Kaino for Counties clash

Jerome Kaino. Photo / Getty Images

All Black loose forward Jerome Kaino has been released from his no-play status for Auckland's weekend clash with Counties Manukau.

He will join test colleague Joe Rokocoko in the starting group while Isaia Toeava will get some time from the reserves bench after convincing the medics he is fully recovered from his hip surgery.

Originally Kaino was in the group of 10 test players who were not going to play any ITM Cup rugby before they were then, presumably, chosen for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to Europe.

Kaino's last game was from the All Black bench against the Wallabies on September 11. He was then picked with Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw and Sam Whitelock for no involvement in the national provincial series.

But after consultation with Kaino and some requests from Auckland, the All Black loose forward was approved for a return like test colleagues Muliaina and Whitelock.

Toeava has been out of action since the Super 14 because of surgery to remedy a long-standing hip complaint. He has been training solidly for some time and has been given the green light to return this weekend.

Counties coach Milton Haig said that his side was injury-free ahead of their continuing push for a place inthe top half of the competition.

"That win at the weekend [against Harbour] keeps us in touch and we've got three weeks left to push hard," he said.

"We had the belief we could do all right in the last game and it was great to get some luck with that last kick hitting the post.

"We know Auckland have a lot of Super 14 players and Jerome will add some firepower but we are at home and we're in with a shout."

Backline mentor Tana Umaga had scrubbed up strongly and was a strong chance to start again at Pukekohe on Saturday, said Haig.

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe agreed that Counties were a different side with Umaga. He brought experience, solidity and an authority to the whole team.

"We'll have to make sure we look after the ball and also get up in their faces," he said. "Counties ... love to attack and they are very dangerous."