Steve Hansen is urging fans of New Zealand rugby not to give up on veteran flanker Jerome Kaino just yet, following the emergence of Vaea Fifita and Liam Squire.
A rough year for Kaino has seen the 81-Test flanker drop down the pecking order in terms of selection, with the younger duo of Fifita and Squire cementing themselves as world class options in the number six jersey.
Hansen though, says that the three are all genuine options for his side.
"I wouldn't disregard JK (Kaino)," he said.
"The plan was to reintroduce him into this tour, unfortunately his knee hasn't allowed that."
Hansen also spoke highly of the Squire-Fifita tandem that the All Blacks have been allowed to employ in 2017.
"Both of those guys are making good progress and growing."
"I'm really happy where they are."
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