Ten years later, everyone - including opposition players jarred by his bone-shaking tackles - knows about the bruising loose forward.
Kaino will play his 50th test for the All Blacks tomorrow night. The star of the 2011 World Cup admits he thought getting to 50 caps was a long shot.
''I never thought I would have got to 50. From time to time it crossed my mind but I never thought I would get to 50. Even a couple of years ago when I was in Japan I never thought 50 would be possible,'' he said.
Kaino (31) first wore the black jersey in 2004 in a match against the Barbarians in London, where he was named man of the match. Aged only 21, he was in his first year of first-class rugby.
He then lost his way somewhat and had to wait until 2006 to make his test debut. It was not until 2008 that he became a regular, and at 2011 he was at the peak of his powers.
Two years ago, he left for Japan, although he admits the pull of the All Black jersey was never far away.
''I missed them [All Blacks] a lot. It was awesome they went undefeated but deep down inside I really wanted to be a part of this group and come home and play again.
''There were times I regretted my decision about going to Japan. But I had to back my decision and go with it and enjoy it.
"Watching the All Blacks, there were times when I thought, 'Damn, I could have been a part of that. What if? What if?'
''That was a huge part of coming home. I had that drive and desire to be part of the All Blacks. I did not want to retire with what-ifs.''
Kaino said the stint in Japan, where he played for the Toyota club for two years, also helped rest his shoulders, which had taken a battering in the preceding years.
Now back in test rugby, it was just as tough and demanding as expected.
''When I was in Japan, the level the All Blacks played just went up a level. The depth, with the new names in the loose forwards ... it did cross my mind I would not be the same player if I did not come back.
''It is very similar to what I left. I always remember it as intense and very physical and nothing has changed. The English played very well in the weekend and did not disappoint and we were quite lucky to get the win.''
The obvious highlight in the half century of games was the World Cup in 2011.
Kaino said he started thinking about heading home from Japan about July last year and knew it simply came down to him performing.
''I spoke to Steve Hansen and John Kirwan and they said if I came back and played well they would pick me. I backed my ability to come back and play well and that was all the motivation I needed to come home.
''People across New Zealand will still compare me to my performances of 2011 ... I wanted to earn my place in the Blues and the All Blacks and not just on my reputation.
"I think with the Blues I have made great strides. But I still want to get them into the playoffs.
''I think with the All Blacks, it is an ongoing thing. I don't think you can call yourself a good All Black until you are where someone like Richie McCaw is at the moment.''