Jerome Kaino has spoken honestly on his recent absence from the All Blacks' match day squads, saying he'd wish he would take the field a little more.
Kaino did not feature at all in this year's Rugby Championship after he returned home from the All Blacks' opening match against the Wallabies in Sydney in August to deal with personal matters.
The flanker was sent home for personal reasons before the first Bledisloe Cup Test last month. (Source: Other)
In his absence, young All Blacks Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita performed so well in their given opportunities that even after Kaino returned to the squad in September, he wasn't named in any line-ups for the remainder of the southern hemisphere competition.
Kaino admitted it had an impact on him.
"I wouldn't say frustrating, but I would've loved a little more rugby," he said.
Shag still had a few words to say before getting out of his seat to leave the press conference. (Source: Other)
"But for me to still be involved in the team and to be around the group - it has been encouraging for me and just to be able to train with the lads and to be in touch, it's driven me a lot."
The 81-Test flanker said it has been special to see Squire and Fifita do well with their chances though.
"It has been special watching the next crop of guys taking their opportunities... they've been playing awesome.
"But on the other hand, it's driven me to hopefully work harder to be able to take my opportunities that come in the future."
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