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'Is this really worth it?' - Coles opens up about darker moments
By Peter Thompson
A determination to end his illustrious career on his own terms prevented Dane Coles from retiring during an injury-ravaged couple of years for the New Zealand hooker.
Coles has undergone two knee operations, been troubled by calf and rib injuries, and left sidelined by concussion.
The Hurricanes captain has not played since rupturing knee ligaments in the All Blacks' win over France in Paris last November, but is due to feature for Wellington when they start their Mitre 10 Cup campaign next week.
Coles was adamant that injuries would not dictate when his playing days would come to an end.
He told Radio Sport: "I've had a pretty frustrating couple of years.
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"You have times where you're like, 'Is this really worth it?' or 'Is this going to come right?'"
He added "I think the drive, especially for me of getting back out there playing for the All Blacks or playing for the Hurricanes, has been a massive motivation.
"Just playing rugby again. I love the game. I didn't want the injury to determine my outcome I wanted, leaving on my own terms I suppose."
The 31-year-old was named in the world champions' Rugby Championship squad this week, but is unlikely to play any part until the latter stages of the tournament.
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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