Kaino questions Lions jet-boat antics
ALL BLACKS flanker Jerome Kaino claimed he would ‘rather be training than jet-boating’ as he prepares for a ‘World Cup final’ against the Lions. Warren Gatland’s squad are in the ski resort of Queenstown for four days ahead of Saturday’s series decider. The tourists have been bungee jumping, flying and golfing, while the All Blacks have based themselves in Auckland to get ready for the decisive Test at Eden Park. ‘I’m sure they’ve thrown some training in there somewhere, but hey, if that’s what they think will get the best out of their players then good on them,’ said Kaino, 34. ‘But for us, we’ve got a lot of improvements to make. I’d rather be training.’ Gatland claimed the All Blacks have failed to ‘stress’ the Lions in the opening two Tests. The Lions held similar camps in 2009 and 2013 — in South Africa and Australia — and won the final Tests. ‘Everyone has their own way of doing things,’ said All Blacks assistant Ian Foster. ‘We like to switch off as well. You have to factor their decision into the fact that they have been here for a decent amount of time on tour.’ The All Blacks have not lost successive games at home since 1998 and have promised an ‘angry’ response on Saturday. And Kaino, who won the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, claimed the game will be one of the biggest of his career. ‘The Lions are a great side and there is a lot of history,’ he said. ‘With it being 1-1, it does have the feeling of a World Cup final, so I’m excited about the prospect of being able to play.’