Kaino leads Blues' international rush
Kaino, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Male Sa'u all return to the Blues line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby Round 15 match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Kaino, Tu'ungafasi and Tuipulotu were involved with the All Blacks in the thrre-Test series against Wales – while Sa'u played for Japan against Scotland.
They will be welcome additions to the Blues, who have lost All Blacks Charlie Faumuina and third Test star George Moala to injury.
There's a relatively settled look to the side – with a strong forward pack built around five current or former All Blacks.
The backline is built around the core inside trio of Bryn Hall, Ihaia West and Piers Francis.
Sa'u, who played on the wing for Japan in their international series at home, will return to his usual role of centre for the injured Moala.
There is a welcome return of loose forward Blake Gibson to the reserves after missing six games after surgery to his thumb.
The potential debutant is young North Harbour lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, bracketed with Hoani Matenga, who is ill.
Those not considered through injury include TJ Faiane, Ben Lam, Rene Ranger (all sidelined for the rest of Super season); Tanerau Latimer (calf strain), Jordan Trainor (hip flexor), Charlie Faumuina (knee ligament sprain), George Moala (elbow ligament).
It is the final New Zealand derby match for the Blues – who will complete their regular season with homes games against the Brumbies (Friday, July 8) and the Waratahs (Friday, July 15), both at Eden Park.
Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 Male S'au, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Namatahi Waa, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti/Hoani Matenga, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Matt McGahan, 23 Matt Vaega/Lolagi Visinia.
Date: Saturday, July 2
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
