Coles big part of All Blacks’ resurgence

DANE Coles has left a fair few backs in his wake over the years.

Coles should, in theory at least, be approaching the twilight of his career. Yet after outstripping Wallabies halfback Nic White down the righthand edge to score what should have been a try last Saturday night in Sydney, the 33yearold continues to prove his dynamic value.

Two weeks ago, after being elevated to the starting team, Coles instigated the mongrel the All Blacks pack needed to steamroll the Wallabies at Eden Park following a lacklustre firstup performance in Wellington.

Last weekend he claimed his 12th test try after rumbling over from a rolling maul but it was his earlier effort, in the 10th minute of the 453 romp, which highlighted his rare pace and skill that has revolutionised the hooking role.

Despite applying downward pressure to the ball ingoal, and New Zealand referee Ben O'Keefe awarding the try after saying he was happy with the grounding, Australian TMO Angus Gardner then intervened to deny Coles the try.

Fellow All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor watched on from the sideline.

He revealed the crossfield kick from Richie Mo’unga was an instinctive moment, not a planned move.

‘‘I wouldn’t say we practise it . . . ‘‘I thought that was a try,’’ Taylor said.

Concussions and niggly calf issues dimmed Coles’ contribution to the Hurricanes and All Blacks in recent seasons but after reclaiming the No 2 jersey in Auckland, he seems back to his best.

Not only has he held off the everconsistent Taylor but damaging Hurricanes teammate Asafo Aumua continues to bide his time as he waits to be unleashed for his test debut.

Coles’ resurgence was one example of a memorable night for the All Blacks forward pack in Sydney.

Blues prop Karl Tu’inukuafe’s opening strike in the fifth minute — his first test try — was notable for the big dummy he sold, and the way he then went to place the ball for another phase after rolling over the line.

‘‘Karl is a pretty humble kid,’’ Taylor said.

‘‘He admittedly didn’t even know there were four people outside him when he scored that try. It was awesome to see him get over the line.’’

Repeating their vicegrip set piece control at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, as the All Blacks attempt to shut out the Wallabies, will go a long way to securing a third straight victory over Dave Rennie’s men.

Three members of Fiji's rugby squad have tested positive for Covid19 at their base in France as they prepare for the Nations Cup, the union’s chief executive told local television yesterday.

The players were isolated from the rest of the squad, who continued to train at their base in Limoges. — The New Zealand Herald/Reuters