Kaino at lock as All Blacks brace for ‘physical’ Ireland

AFP: All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino has been moved into the second row as New Zealand brace for a physical challenge against Ireland in the opening Test of their Northern Hemisphere tour at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday.

Kaino, 33, will partner Patrick Tuipuloto in the second row as the world champions pack down against an Ireland team bidding to end New Zealand’s 18-match winning streak.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen reshuffled his pack after injuries and absenteeism decimated his resources at lock.

Regulars Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are both injured while Luke Romano returned to New Zealand earlier this week after a sudden family bereavement.

The experienced Kaino, who will win his 75th cap, adds physicality to the engine room of the All Blacks pack in what Hansen is expecting to be a bruising encounter.