All Blacks star Dane Coles have been named in the Hurricanes starting XV for this Friday’s match with the Chiefs in Hamilton.
It will be his first start for the franchise this year as he comes in as co-captain alongside TJ Perenara as the side look to bounce back from defeat to the Blues last time out.
Speaking ahead of the game head coach Jason Holland admitted that Coles has competition for his place in the side, but is excited to see him from the off this week.
“Colesy wants to put his hand up and grab that role. We’ve got three awesome boys fighting for a chance to start, so they’re all aware they need to take the chance when its given and play well,” he said.
Coles’ return means that Asafo Aumua moves to the bench for the game.
Other All Blacks in the line-up include huge names such as Jordie Barrett and Ngani Laumape, who both join Perenara in the backs.
The franchise has had a mixed start to the campaign with three wins and two loses to date, and will face a huge task this weekend to improve their fortunes as they face the New Zealand Conference table-toppers in the Chiefs, but Coles’ return is certainly a boost for the squad.
