Hansen delighted with return of Coles

– All Blacks coach Steve Hansen saluted Dane Coles (right) yesterday after the inspirational hooker fought back from a year out hurt to headline a second-string New Zealand side against Japan.

Hansen said Coles, 31, would have wondered whether his career was over after he suffered a serious knee injury against France last November, needing two operations.

The World Cup winner is the senior player in a match-day squad including eight new caps for tomorrow’s Test.

The All Blacks also called up loose forward Dalton Papalii and midfielder Matt Proctor to a newlook XV, with six more set to make their debuts off the bench.

But Hansen was clearly delighted to welcome Coles back from his injury nightmare for what will be his 57th Test.

“It’s been great to have the champ back,” said Hansen at the team’s hotel.

“He’s had to work really hard and he’s gone through some moments in his own head where he was probably wondering if it’s ever going to happen.

“That frustration is a killer,” he added. “I didn’t have any doubts but I’m not in his body, I’m not feeling his frustrations. But he’s a player worth waiting for.”

Luke Whitelock, who skippered the side against a France XV last year, will be captain for the first time in a Test against the 2019 World Cup hosts.

He follows in the footsteps of brother Sam, who captained the team for the first time last year. – AFP