All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says no need to rush Jerome Kaino's return after understudy Liam Squire impresses in Sydney Bledisloe Cup test

Liam Squire scores for the All Blacks against Australia. Photo/Photosport

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen won't be rushing Jerome Kaino back into the selection mix, as the veteran flanker addresses off-field issues over the coming days.

The performance of understudy Liam Squire in last night's Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia means he won't have to.

Kaino's immediate future with the national side is in doubt, after his "personal matter" was revealed by Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper yesterday and he returned home to be with his family.

Kaino, 34, had not been in the matchday squad, with Hansen chosing to give Squire the start, after a broken thumb kept the Highlanders loose forward out of the British & Irish Lions series.

When pressed after the All Blacks' 54-34 victory in Sydney, the head coach remained non-committal on Kaino's prospects for next week's rematch in Dunedin.

"I think that's a pretty loaded question," he said. "We all know what the problem is and he's got some stuff to deal with, so once he's dealt with that, we'll make some decisions."

"I've got no show of telling you what his headspace is. Put yourself in his shoes, what would yours be?

"There's been enough written about it already, it's a personal thing that he and the family have to deal with."

Luckily for the All Blacks, Squire didn't miss a beat and made himself a near certainty to start again in the No 6 jersey on his home track.

Squire, 26 and playing in his 10th test, brought energy and pace to the side of the scrum, scoring the first of the All Blacks' eight tries with a sustained burst down the left touchline.

And he was powerful in the tackle too, before making way for lock Luke Romano after 60 minutes.

Squire brought exactly what the All Blacks were looking for and enjoyed the added bonus of being off the field while it unravelled for his team in the second half.

Hansen paid credit to his performance afterwards.

"He's a pretty phenomenal rugby player when he gets it right and tonight he got it right," Hansen said.

With Kaino's contract ending at the end of next year - he is still a possibility for the 2019 World Cup though - Squire is clearly the future for the All Blacks at blindside flanker.

While it will probably a case of when, rather than if Kaino returns, the stage is set for Squire to continue to impress in the interim.

"I was a bit surprised by the space in front of me," Squire said afterwards reflecting on his run to the tryline from nearly 50 metres, after being put away by left wing Rieko Ioane, who also impressed.

"I didn't know if I was going to get there, but I was lucky enough to score a try."

Squire admitted breaking his thumb during Super Rugby was a setback, but that he was able to maintain his fitness and was beginning to get his momentum back.

He also developed a good combination in the wide channels, alongside skipper and No 8 Kieran Read, although the luxury of being able to stay away from the breakdowns was earned by the work of the All Black tight forwards and probably should be considered the exception rather than the rule.

"As a No 6, that's a role you play for the All Blacks," Squire said. "It's pretty similar to how I play for the Highlanders as well, so it suits me."