All Blacks blindside flanker Jerome Kaino will take on increased responsibility for the team as they wait on the recovery of number eight Kieran Read and utility back rower Adam Thomson.

The loss of the two players in the early stages of the World Cup means that Kaino will shoulder a fair amount of extra responsibility.

Ironically this will mirror Kaino’s situation off the field, with the All Black and his wife now the proud parents of a baby boy, their second child.

While Mum and Dad might not have settled on a name yet, the timing was appropriate as it has enabled Kaino to link back up with the All Blacks squad.

All Blacks opens its Rugby World cup campaign against Tonga at 8.30pm next Friday.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo