The fiery Dane Coles' first run in an All Black jersey

The fiery Dane Coles' first run in an All Black jersey

The hallowed turf of Murrayfield was the stage on which All Black hooker Dane Coles put in his first shift on the international scene, on 12 November 2012.

Andrew Hore left the field one minute into the final quarter, making way for Coles in the number 16 jersey – his socks characteristically about his ankles – whose responsibilities commenced immediately as he threw the ball into a lineout.

The hooker used his twenty minutes on the park to good effect, employing his surprising turn of pace to pierce holes and take the ball up over the advantage line.

His hands were also on show that evening, managing to execute one or two impressive long passes as well as some nifty offloads.

The All Blacks ran out convincing winners in the end (51-22).


Coles has since gone on to win 68 more caps for his country.


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