Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, on the brink of returning home after two years playing in Japan, says wearing the black jersey again was the main reason for his signing with the Blues.
The success of his Toyota team in the playoffs will determine when Kaino returns to Auckland - coach John Kirwan is expecting him in mid to late February - and the player, who developed into a fearsome blindside flanker for the national team, believes he still has what it takes.
"It's a huge reason why I chose to come back,'' he told Radio Sport this morning.
"There's still a burning desire to play for the All Black jersey.''
Asked by host Martin Devlin whether he had a starting spot or bench role in mind, Kaino said: "When you strive to be in the All Blacks you definitely want to hop on the field and get that starting spot.''
Kaino left New Zealand straight after the Rugby World Cup carrying a shoulder problem but said his body was sound, though he admitted it could take time to get used to the rigours of the Super Rugby competition again.