Kid gloves for Mealamu

 

To preserve his calves and ensure the 35-year-old is in the best possible shape, the test centurion will miss the Blues' opening match against the Chiefs and trip to South Africa with an aim of returning in round four.

 

Keven Mealamu's absence for the first three Super Rugby rounds shouldn't cause the Blues too many headaches. Those are more likely come from their inexperienced backline.

 

One-test All Blacks hooker James Parsons stepped up for the Blues last year and will get first crack with Mealamu taking a cautious approach and enjoying an early-season conditioning window.

 

"I'm looking to play the game when the boys get back from Africa," Mealamu told Stuff NZ.

 

"It's a good chance to get a bit of extra conditioning under the belt. I feel like I've arrived in really good nick but that trip over there in the past couple of years I've picked up an injury."

 

Despite calls to the contrary, Mealamu's importance to the national cause has been clear in recent seasons.

 

The All Blacks desperately attempted to tutor an emerging hooker to support Dane Coles and the experienced veteran.

 

Just as they settled on Nathan Harris last year, the Chiefs' man was cruelly struck down in his second test, leaving the position wide open again for the World Cup.

 

Steve Hansen will, therefore, sweat on Mealamu's fitness throughout this season, just as he will a host of All Blacks.

 

"For now a lot of the players will have that in the back of their heads. There's so much rugby between now and then. With no June [international] series this year Super Rugby is going to be a big grind.

 

"Arriving in top shape is going to be important to make sure you can play well until the end of the year."

 

The All Black hooker is quiet clearly in contention to join in on the New Zealand exodus after the World Cup, but it is looking more likely that this may rather be his last year. 

 

"There's a good chance it is my last year," Mealamu said.

 

"It could be to retire. I've really enjoyed my rugby career, but you just never know."