There may be more to come in the test rugby career of Jerome Kaino but his rise to distinction was crowned by his try-saving tackle in the 2011 World Cup semifinal.
Muscular Wallaby wing Digby Ioane was churning his way to the line until Kaino roped and bulldogged him back from the touchdown. Take that, he could have snorted as the All Blacks pounded their way to an impressive victory.
The tense victory in the final against France was Kaino's last test appearance before he went to Japan. It was the end of a supreme year for the blindside flanker and eventual justification for his initial selection in the All Blacks in 2004.
In some ways that choice was a bit like last year's selection of Ardie Savea. It was a punt on a rookie, a gamble on a looseforward the selectors thought would become a strong international.
Injury, uncertainty and competition were obstacles across Kaino's bow. His attack was intriguing but there were defects in his defensive work. Kaino reassessed the demands and when he shifted all his attention to his preferred No 6 role, the benefits shone for Kaino and the All Blacks.
