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It's bad news for the All Blacks - Plumtree doubtful over Coles fitness
By Christopher Devine
Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree provided a pessimistic update regarding Dane Coles' fitness on Tuesday, acknowledging the New Zealand hooker could miss the entire series with the British and Irish Lions.
Coles has not played since March, with his return from knee and calf injuries delayed by concussion symptoms.
The 30-year-old - rated by many as the best hooker in world rugby - will remain on the sidelines when the Hurricanes face the Chiefs in Wellington on Friday.
Plumtree told 1 News Now: "With Colesy there's still no change, so it's still just week to week at the moment. We won't be seeing him this weekend."
Asked if he thought the forward would be available for the first Test against the Lions, which takes place on June 24, Plumtree replied: "It's hard to say, because the whole concussion thing is so grey.
"He hasn't been able to train hard enough at this stage. It's hard to say whether he'll be available for any of the Tests or the first Test.
"It's bad news for the All Blacks, it's bad news for all of New Zealand."
Another All Black, Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick, will also miss this week's Super Rugby match in Wellington due to concussion, but is anticipated to be fit for the Lions Tests.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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