The pouring Auckland rain is the least of Jerome Kaino's worries.
This season one of the 33-year-old's biggest challenges is coming from two young bucks, Jordan Taufua and Elliot Dixon.
Kaino admits he's been keeping a keen eye on them.
"You have to, to be able to evolve your game," said the All Black.
"All these young boys bring a different dynamic to how loose forwards play."
Kaino is certainly no mug out-wide, but he says the emerging blindsides are taking things to a whole new level.
"A lot of loose forwards these days are just like midfield backs with the skill set that they have."
Crusaders stand-out Jordan Taufua will line up against him Saturday night at Eden Park, the 24-year-old a long-time admirer.
"I used to go to watch those Auckland games and the Blues games and he was out there. He was the hard hitter and the hard runner as well, so I kind of admired the way he played," said Taufua.
Highlander Elliot Dixon was just 14 years of age when Kaino debuted for the All Blacks.
His high work rate and lineout skills have made him a serious contender at six, and all the competition is simply spurring the veteran on.
"I've still got the excitement in my game and I'm looking forward to that challenge."
With two more years on his contract, Jerome Kaino's determined he won't be left behind.
Newshub.
