Coles up for Crusaders 'Test match'

Editor

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles admits Saturday's game against the Crusaders will be as important as a Test match.

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles admits Saturday's game against the Crusaders will be as important as a Test match.

The hosts have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive given they will have a bye next week.

“We've got a bit of another Test match,” Coles told AAP.

“Getting up will be easy because we're pretty desperate to get a couple of wins.”

Coles will return to Super Rugby action after starting all three Tests for New Zealand in the 3-0 series win over England this month.

Viewed as the long-term option in the number two jersey for the All Blacks with Keven Mealamu being used off the bench, Coles stated that getting the chance to start continuously was 'massive'.

Overcoming the nerves from his early international career is seen as a crucial part of Coles's development ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

“To get three starts has just been massive for me. I've been around the environment for a while and I just know what to expect,” added Coles.

“I'm enjoying it a little bit more. There were times last year when I was a little bit nervous and let it get the better of me.”