All Blacks sweating on Coles

THE ALL BLACKS’ injury crisis intensified yesterday ahead of the Lions series, as it became clear that they will be forced to cope without the man acclaimed by his Super Rugby side as ‘the best hooker in the world’. Dane Coles hasn’t played since March 18 due to a persisting concussion and the Hurricanes were honest enough to admit that they don’t have any idea when he will be ready for action. At this stage, it seems unlikely that the 30-year-old will be ready to reach his 50th cap against the tourists. Coles is a peerless, unique operator in the No 2 shirt and even mighty New Zealand cannot absorb the loss of such an influential figure without it leaving a gaping hole in coach Steve Hansen’s plans. ‘In my opinion, he is the best hooker in the world because of the skill set he brings,’ Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd told Sportsmail yesterday. ‘There are not many hookers in the world who could potentially get away with playing on the wing if they had to.’ ‘He is a hell of an athlete and a hell of a competitor. Codie Taylor (Crusaders hooker) is a good player, too, but everyone will be pleased to see Dane run out in a black jersey again, that’s for sure.’ Hansen will tomorrow name his squad to face the Lions but he has a number of injury problems ahead of the Test series opener at Eden Park on June 24. Yesterday, the Chiefs confirmed that their All Blacks lock and former World Player of the Year Brodie Retallick will not be involved in their game against the Hurricanes, as he is also experiencing concussion symptoms. Last weekend, Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty suffered a rib cartilage injury while Highlanders’ outstanding fullback Ben Smith has joined the concussion casualties.