Dane Coles will play for Wellington before joining the All Blacks on their northern tour. Photo / Photosport
Dane Coles will play for Wellington before joining the All Blacks on their northern tour. Photo / Photosport
There is more than a tinge of envy as Dane Coles ponders Sam Cane's Heartland Championship debut this weekend.
At some stage in his career, Coles holds hope of turning out for Horowhenua Kāpiti, his local Heartland province.
When Cane was looking for his comeback match after six months out,following pectoral surgery, Coles suggested he considered linking with a Heartland team.
That proved the catalyst for Cane to don the King Country colours against Whanganui in Taupō on Saturday.
Coles, who hasn't played since the second test against Fiji in July due to a calf injury, did his best to represent Horowhenua Kāpiti in his comeback match but he will instead start for Wellington against Canterbury on Friday night.
"I was trying to play for the Nua in the Heartland but logistically it's probably easier to sign a contract in Japan and play overseas. I'm stoked for Sammy Cane but gutted I didn't get the chance with the way things worked out," Coles said.
"I needed a bit more rugby time. With the Heartland boys it's only Tuesday-Thursday trainings, so I needed to get back to a professional environment. Never say never. I've been trying for the last couple of years to get a run with the Nua but I'm grateful to Wellington for having me as well."
Coles has been training with Wellington for the last three weeks while working to amend issues with his back and right calf.
Having last played for Wellington three years ago, in his comeback from an ACL rupture, Coles is embracing the chance to oppose All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock and Hurricanes teammate Reed Prinsep against Canterbury.
"I'm confident I've done the work, now it's about getting out, playing and doing what I love. Playing Canterbury, you've got to be up for it, so it's a good test to come back into for 40 minutes."
Dane Coles last played for Wellington, in the NPC, three years ago. Photo / Photosport
Wellington are in the midst of a horror NPC campaign. They effectively sit last in the Premiership (one spot above Auckland, who have played two games) with one win from five matches. Coles' return, alongside Julian Savea on the left wing, should help improve this week's performance.
"It's been a bit of a tough start but we've got to keep fighting. It doesn't get any easier playing against Canterbury but a little bit of an attitude shift and intent should fix a few things."
Coles, Whitelock, Cane, Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell and rookie Taranaki lock Josh Lord fly to Washington DC next Thursday, arriving a couple of days before the All Blacks squad departs Australia for their five-match northern tour.
Despite their final loss to the Springboks, Coles was largely impressed by the All Blacks Rugby Championship-winning campaign.
"Compared to last year, the boys have taken it to another level. They're playing some really good rugby. The first test with Africa was good to win like that against a different beast. It will set us up well for the northern tour. The second test was a classic All Blacks v Boks match that went down to the wire.
"The whole group has stepped up – there hasn't been one player dominating and they've blooded a lot of young guys to international footy which is good for the All Blacks."
In Coles' absence the All Blacks continued grooming Hurricanes understudy Asafo Aumua - who struggled with his lineout throwing in the second test against the Boks - and impressive Chiefs hooker Samasoni Taukeiaho.
"Samasoni has come out of nowhere and taken his chance. He's a good kid. I got to work with him a little bit. As tough as it is to watch, it's good for the team and New Zealand rugby to have depth at hooker. Samasoni, Asafo and Codie [Taylor] have been awesome. It's good to put pressure on each other to dominate those two and 16 jerseys."
Coles' experience, dynamic abilities on the edge and mongrel will be welcomed back by the All Blacks but the 34-year-old knows he faces a fight for game-time.
"All the hookers will be keen to play, but I'm looking forward to getting stuck in; and if I don't, then I'll keep chipping away. There's no guarantees going over there and expecting to get back in the team."
