'He got baited': Coles credited for Hurricanes' turnaround after squaring up with rival Taylor

Retiring Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles was in vintage form at Sky Stadium for his last appearance at home for the franchise after an illustrious career.

The 36-year-old inspired his home side to a 27-26 win over the Crusaders and the feisty No 2 has been credited with sparking a rival after getting into a war of words with All Black teammate Codie Taylor.

The two hookers became embroiled in a heated exchange with Coles the aggressor, cocking his fist ready to square up with the Crusader.

The Hurricanes' No 2 had won a penalty at the breakdown while Taylor took exception to Coles' celebratory antics.

Taylor, while engaging in the push and shove, appeared to have a big grin not taking the incident too seriously but made matters worse by spoiling a quick tap penalty from an offside position, earning a yellow card in the process.

Coles looked dead serious and his combative attitude fired the Hurricanes into action who were down 19-7 at half-time after three Crusaders tries in the opening 20 minutes.

After Taylor's yellow card it was all Hurricanes as they hit the lead after tries to Billy Proctor, Cam Roigard and Josh Moorby.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson could only sit back and admire Coles in his last Hurricanes game having understood what was coming all week.

"We knew it was coming, we talked about... even Codie talked about it," said Robertson.

"He knew and he got done, he got baited... took a big bite, didn't he?

"When he [Coles] was talking to the ref, it was a masterclass. It was a great way for him to go out here, wasn't it?"

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams also expressed his admiration of Coles' style of play, while fans on Twitter loved the battle between the two All Black hookers.

Absolutely masterful shithousing from Dane Coles to get Codie Taylor carded. Master of the mind-games. He’ll be missed when he’s gone #HURvCRU— The 5 Metre Channel (@FMC_Rugby) June 3, 2023