Rugby: Kaino ready to kick into gear after frustrations

All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino at the announcement of the All Blacks squad for the Samoa Test and Investec Rugby Championship. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Should Jerome Kaino get the all-clear in the next 10 days to resume playing, it might be a wise idea to stand back as there is a bit of pent-up frustration within him.

The Blues captain hasn't played since breaking his finger against the Force in early May and his lack of action, combined with having to watch his Super Rugby team implode in the final weeks, has left him with a bit of anger to work out of the system.

He has been training hard throughout his rehabilitation. But training and playing are not the same thing and he's hungry for game time and particularly anxious to be declared available for the test against Samoa.

The test in Apia has been on Kaino's wishlist since it was announced. The 32-year-old was born in American Samoa and is fiercely proud of his heritage.

He and other All Blacks with Samoan heritage know that they are being presented with what is likely to be a once-in-a-career opportunity to play a test in the islands.

A visit to the specialist a week before the test on July 8 should confirm that Kaino is good to go.

Kaino says that as much as he wants to be picked, he hasn't said anything to All Black head coach Steve Hansen about his desire to be involved.

"He knows how much it means to us and how special it will be for the Samoans.

"They love the All Blacks and they love rugby so to be involved with that touring squad and to hopefully take the field will be pretty special."

The Samoan test will, Kaino hopes, be a new beginning to 2015. The first six months did not go to plan with his injury, the collapse of the Blues to 14th place and the resignation of coach John Kirwan.

Kaino, like the other Blues players picked in the 41-man squad yesterday, is determined to salvage something in the back half of the season.

"It has been a tough old year, we haven't had the results we wanted or the success that we wanted with the Blues.

"So that has given extra motivation to be a part of the All Blacks and push for more success and to turn the year around."

The All Blacks will be taking 29 players to Samoa and it is possible, depending on whether either or both of the Hurricanes and Highlanders make the Super Rugby final, that they may have to bolster their ranks in Apia with players not named yesterday.

Crusaders prop Nepo Laulala has already been called up as injury cover for Charlie Faumuina, whose neck needs more rest, and Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis will be involved in this week's training camp as it's possible the All Blacks could be without both Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara for the Samoa test and Chiefs halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow isn't ready to play at that level yet.

Another Chiefs halfback, Brad Weber, may also be invited to train with the squad this week.