Kaino keen to get stuck in
The Blues open the account against Super Rugby champions the Highlanders, but will have three pre-season games before that to fine tune their own game. They play the Melbourne Rebels on February 4, the Hurricanes on February 13 and Chiefs on February 19.
For Kaino it is just a waiting game as the Blues are being put through their paces in this current pre-season.
"I feel refreshed and ready to go, although a lot of guys have been giving me crap about being the only one in the 30s in the team, but that is all good," said Kaino.
The 32-year-old might be the team's captain this season, but he will be relying on a number of other senior players in the squad to assist him with the leadership responsibilities.
"Everyone wants to drive that leadership quality within them.
"The main leaders that I have next to me is James Parsons, Steven Luatua and Rene Ranger and hopefully with Tanerau Latimer joining us later on, he will join in and help out. Those are the main guys I go to for help," Kaino added.
Kaino has vast experience at Super Rugby and at international level with the All Blacks, and knows how to get the best out of his players.
"We got a lot of guys in this team who perform really well – my main focus is to perform each week for the team and that’s all I can do as a leader and hopefully the rest of the guys follow.
"If that brings success for us then so be it, but I am just looking forward to playing well and lead by example and hopefully we have a good season," said Kaino.
