Rugby: Kaino targets Samoa test return after missing win

New Zealand All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino celebrates his try with Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Missing the Blues victory against the Lions may have hurt Jerome Kaino's heart but not playing did his knee a power of good.

The veteran loose forward, who was named in the All Blacks squad despite his lack of recent game time due to knee surgery, has declared himself fit to play against Samoa next Friday, if selected.

He will be a critical addition to a backrow that will be missing injured All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who will visit a specialist tomorrow to assess his fractured thumb, which he hopes will reaffirm that he's on track to play in the first test against the Lions.

"I think Samoa is probably right out of the question, then it's just going to be how it responds," Read said.

Kaino has been involved in several contact sessions in the past fortnight and can run at full speed without discomfort. He'd have loved to have played for the Blues in their sensational win over the Lions but the medics said the risk was too great and a more realistic return date is June 16.

"It has been a long six weeks but I feel like I am ready now," said Kaino. "I would have loved to have been available to play [on Wednesday] but it was too much of a risk. I don't think that was ever in consideration. Match fitness ... I have got to get on the field to see how that goes.

"My focus has been on getting my body right to give myself the best opportunity to be available for the first test. I kind of knew the Samoa test, if selected, would be my first game back. My sole focus has been to get my knee as strong as possible."

A test against the physically destructive Samoans will provide the ultimate examination of Kaino's knee.

Kaino, who was born in Samoa, has built his own game on a similarly destructive portfolio. And while he's capable of adapting his game to any opponent, he says a Pacific derby is something he will relish.

"I guess if you want to test yourself physically, then those Pacific Island games - especially Samoa - are the ones you want to measure yourself in. I am looking forward to it. I can't wait to get back on the field.

"I love those kind of games. You can try to replicate it at training but it is never the same. The only way you can get that match fitness is by playing, and taking on Samoa is a great way to not just measure yourself but get ready for the Lions.

"[Being injured] has given me time to mentally refresh and take a step back from the game. I am as hungry as ever. The timing hasn't been good, as I missed some Blues games, but it has given me time to refresh."

In looking at the unimpressive start to the tour by the Lions, he's convinced the tourists, like him, will improve with play.

"It is hard because of the combinations and the travel," he says. "I think they are just coming to grips with that. They will get better. I compare it with how we prepared for the 2015 World Cup. We weren't playing that well in the pool rounds but the further into the competition we got, the better our combinations got and our game together. I know that come the tests, they will field a great side and they have some great players."