Kaino back in business with training run

Jerome Kaino has passed medical tests and should be fit for the Blues' trip to South Africa. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Jerome Kaino has been an occasional visitor to Blues training but his appearance yesterday signalled his return to full-time rugby.

The loose forward has been recovering since late last year from shoulder surgery and his medical clearance coincided with Angus Macdonald's injury exit.

Like many players on a lengthy rehabilitation, Kaino would lob up at training to see his old mates, check in with the medicos and then go about his business.

When he turned up yesterday with his thighs bandaged for lineout training, it was clear there had been a shift in his status.

Coach David Nucifora confirmed the loose forward had officially joined his squad for the rest of the Super 14 series and would be available for selection for Friday's game at Albany against the Force.

The 23-year-old Kaino played for the All Blacks against the Barbarians on the 2004 trip to Europe but suffered through injuries last year until he had surgery after the NPC.

Kaino may not be included for Friday but the coach suggested he would be useful for the Blues when they leave on Sunday for three matches in South Africa.

"Jerome has passed all of his medical tests," said Nucifora.

"He's ready to go. We worked very hard with Jerome right from the start with organising the operation as early as possible to make sure that if anything did eventuate at the back end of the season he was ready."

Serious injuries have beset the Blues loose forwards with Macdonald and Justin Collins out for the season, Daniel Braid struggling with hamstring problems and Troy Flavell suffering a torn hip muscle.

Braid and Doug Howlett have passed fitness tests for Friday after their hamstring troubles but halfback Steve Devine is still dealing with the effects of several head knocks.

Halfback John Senio and prop Tony Woodcock have minor injuries, but Nucifora has indicated he will rest several players from this match to freshen for the trip to South Africa.

The same tight five and No 8 Nick Williams have started every Blues game this season and Nucifora has to balance the players' need for rest with the risks of altering a winning lineup.

"We are conscious of the six-day turnaround between games and then the travel to Africa at the weekend," said Nucifora.

"So these things will come in to our consideration when we name the team.

"But first and foremost it is about a good performance on Friday."

There may be a few rearrangements in the pack, with loosehead prop Saimone Taumoepeau due to get a decent run after five minor contributions off the bench.

Luke McAlister showed his class against the Stormers in a 25-minute gallop last week after injury and should be restored to the first five-eighths role.

That will mean another positional shift for the outstandingly versatile Isa Nacewa, or a rest so he is fully charged for the rigours of matches against the Sharks, Cheetahs and Cats in the Republic.