Jerome Kaino says the crowning glory of his career would be being part of a victorious All Blacks team in a Lions tour to New Zealand.
Apart from the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning teams, Kaino's international career was in its infancy the last time the Lions were in New Zealand.
Kaino made the 2004 All Blacks end of year tour, but missed out on Lions selection behind the likes of Jerry Collins, Mose Tuiali'i, Sione Lauaki, Rodney So'oialo and Marty Holah.
"In 2004, I was involved on the [All Blacks] end of year tour and I really set a goal to be involved in that 2005 Lions series but it wasn't to be," Kaino told Newshub.
"It's been a long time since that, but the fire still burns to be involved."
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for the 34-year-old who got a chance to play against the tourists in their 2004 tour match against the Blues.
Although he enjoyed that experience, Kaino said to feature in a Test against the Lions would be the pinnacle.
"To be involved in those Test matches would have been good, but hopefully I get the chance this time around to be involved in that. It was a great time to be in New Zealand so hopefully we have that same sort of buzz this time around."
Amidst the re-signings and the departures of some key All Blacks already in 2017, Kaino is off contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of next year.
And while a Rugby World Cup would typically rank as the be all and end all of an All Black's career, the 77-Test back-rower said the upcoming tour was his main prize.
He says he'd use being snubbed last time around as fuel to drive him.
"I haven't really thought about the World Cup as such, the Lions was a big goal of mine.
"Missing out on 2005, I took a hit, so I set out 2015 [Rugby World Cup] and then the Lions tour... if I can make the Lions tour then I'll reassess and see where I am with my body and my form. The Lions is the first thing for me and then we'll see how it goes."
Newshub.
