Coles out of first Bledisloe Test
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Coles out of first Bledisloe Test
Dane Coles' return to Test rugby from a long spell off to recover from a concussion has suffered a setback ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia in Sydney.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said on Sunday after the side arrived in Sydney that Coles had been withdrawn from consideration for Saturday's game after he suffered a knock in the warm-up game of three halves in Pukekohe on Friday.
Hansen said Coles would have been able to play if the selectors wanted him to but they were taking a precautionary approach. He said Coles was frustrated because he wanted to play. He had copped an elbow or knee in the game and was taken off straight away in Pukekohe.
"It is nothing too serious but it was enough for us to say we don't want to play him," he said.
"It is nothing too serious but it was enough for us to say we don't want to play him," he said.
Coles' Hurricanes team-mate Ricky Riccitelli joined the team in Sydney as cover. Hansen said he was a mobile player, an ex-prop so was a good scrummager and was 'tidy enough' in the lineouts who he did his core roles very well.
First choice replacement Codie Taylor played all of the series against the British & Irish Lions so it was another opportunity for him and substitute Nathan Harris.
Hansen said Coles should be all right to be considered for the second game against Australia in Dunedin a week on Saturday.
Coles was the only injury concern for the side and with the Crusaders recovering from their travel to Johannesburg they had the spring back in their step and the team management was looking forward to a good week of preparation in Sydney, Hansen said.
Coles was the only injury concern for the side and with the Crusaders recovering from their travel to Johannesburg they had the spring back in their step and the team management was looking forward to a good week of preparation in Sydney, Hansen said.
