Kaino eyes All Blacks recall

New Zealand loose forward Jerome Kaino claims reclaiming the number six jersey is his priority on the All Blacks' upcoming tour.

Kaino was axed by Graham Henry for the final Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Wellington in September with Adam Thomson preferred in the blindside flanker's role.

The trio of Thomson, captain Richie McCaw and Kieran Read proved a highly effective one as the All Blacks crushed the Wallabies 33-6 in their best performance of an otherwise average campaign.

The decision to only take two hookers - Andrew Hore and Corey Flynn - on the upcoming six-game trip has allowed for an extra loose forward in the 33-man squad, meaning Kaino will also face competition from the recalled Liam Messam as well as 60-Test veteran Rodney So'oialo for a place in the side.

"It was quite disappointing not to play in that last Test," Kaino told reporters after the final day of a three-day training camp in Auckland.

"It's an awesome challenge for me to have Adam there. He's on top of his game and it is quite healthy for the loose forwards to have a contest for a spot in the team.

"It is going to be a huge challenge for me to get that jersey back."

The New Zealanders leave for Tokyo on Sunday to prepare for the final Bledisloe Cup showdown of the year against Australia at the end of the month.

Kaino expects the Wallabies to be smarting from the loss in the New Zealand capital last month - their sixth in a row against the All Blacks since Robbie Deans took over as coach.

"When we played them last we had our backs against the wall and were under a lot of pressure in the media and in the public and I think Australia will feel the same probably over the last few weeks heading into Tokyo.

"We knew what it was like to be under the pump and the performance the boys put out in Wellington (answered the critics) and Australia are in a similar camp so we are going to expect a fight back from them."

Following that match the All Blacks head to Europe for Tests against Wales, Italy, England and France before the finale against the Barbarians in London.

Kaino revealed the team wanted get back to playing the attacking, fast-paced brand of rugby that New Zealand was renowned for.

"With the results of the Tri-Nations we didn't really get to play the rugby we wanted to and we didn't show what rugby we usually play in New Zealand," he added.

"I think with the fresh voices in the unit, with the coaches swapping roles, it is exciting for the boys.

"All we are trying to do is get back to basics and play exciting rugby that we usually play."