Retiring Jerome Kaino reveals the 5 toughest player he faced

The 37-year-old won 81 caps in an illustrious All Blacks career and says he would like to coach.

"I would like to work with the Stade Toulousain, for the future of this game. For the players who are just starting out, the new generation, to pass on to them my passion and knowledge and everything I've learned," Kaino said.

 He arrived at Toulouse in 2018 and captained the club to victory in the 2019 Top 14 final. 

Speaking to a French radio stations, the forward revealed five of his toughest opponents, including TWO England internationals.

Kaino said: “Maro was pretty tough. He is a force of nature who never gives you a second break from the first minute until the last."

Kaino said: "Let's just say he was able to keep the tradition going of the hardest of South African second rows."

Kaino said: "He is just perfectly built for the role and when he locks himself onto a tackled player, there is no moving him."

One of the most physical flankers in the game, he was dubbed a “threshing machine” by former Springboks coach Nick Mallett. Came back from injury and life-threatening illness to enjoy an immense international swansong at the 2015 World Cup.

Kanio said: "Someone that kept on coming was Mako Vunipola. He has no hand brake, he just keeps on going and going,” Kaino explained.

“Loves to get the ball in his hand. To try to stand in front of him and get a shot on him is impossible. He’s so solid. He’s a brick of a man. He’d be up there as the toughest in the tests that I played.”