The Blues forward Jerome Kaino looks set to make his first start for the All Blacks since returning to New Zealand rugby from Japan, though it might not be in his preferred blindside position.
The 31-year-old concedes he's been surprised how quickly he's been able to re-adapt to the speed and physicality of Super Rugby, the loosie looking every bit a world cup winner despite playing for a struggling Blues side.
With the All Blacks incumbent number eight, Kieran Read, short on game time after dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion, Kaino says he'd be happy to fill in at the back of the scrum.
The All Blacks name their squad for next month's three-test series against England on Sunday, with the first match next Saturday in Auckland.