Coles and Crotty return to face Boks

Editor

Hooker Dane Coles will rejoin the All Blacks squad in South Africa after attending the birth of his first child back in New Zealand.

Coles pulled out of the squad in the build up to the past weekend’s clash with Argentina as he raced home to meet his new-born son, leaving veteran Keven Mealamu to start in the number two jersey while Nathan Harris made his debut from the bench in La Plata .

The All Blacks beat Argentina 34-13 to clinch the Championship title with one round remaining.

Center Ryan Crotty, is also back having recovered from a broken cheekbone suffered during New Zealand’s 51-20 win over Australia earlier in the tournament. He played last weekend for Canterbury.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen confirmed that the Hurricanes hooker and Crusaders centre will arrive in Johannesburg on Monday, just a few hours after the rest of the team, ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Springboks at Ellis Park.