Sam Cane won't be rattled by Dane Coles' antics in milestone match

The notorious chirping of 84-cap All Black Dane Coles won't distract Chiefs captain Sam Cane when the two top-of-the-table Super Rugby sides clash in Wellington on Saturday.

Coles will celebrate his 300th first-class match in the fixture, an achievement that puts the veteran hooker in exclusive company and will only further the Hurricanes' hunger for a win over the unbeaten Waikato side.

Despite the milestone, Coles will come off the bench in the No 16 jersey, with Asafo Aumua preferred to start opposite Chiefs danger man Samisoni Taukei'aho.

Chiefs captain Sam Cane was complimentary of his old friend in his big game, acknowledging the accomplishment while knowing Coles' professionalism will ensure his emotions won't get the better of him.

“Knowing Dane he won’t want to get caught up in the 300th game but that’s an incredible achievement if you think about it,” he said. “It’s a lot of Saturdays strapping the boots on.

“I think he’s just the ultimate competitor – you see his passion on the field."

Cane knows how to deal with Cole's antics on the field, saying he's got a vocal leader of his own to deploy if Coles starts acting up.

“He knows how to get under some people’s skins but he won’t get under mine. I’ll leave him and Brodie [Retallick] to have a crack at each other.”

Cane himself is having a sensational season, responding admirably to the challenge of Dalton Papali'i for the All Blacks No 7 jersey. He credited his off-season work for his form in 2023.

“I put in a lot of work in the off-season after coming home early from the end-of-year tour with the cheekbone. I think that’s probably put me in good stead. But also in terms of how the team is running. The majority of my leadership workload is on the field or on the training park which is good.

“We’ve had good rhythm and consistency in terms of the squad and coaching and management for the last couple of seasons now. And although we’ve got a relatively young squad, we’ve got a good mix of experienced young guys coming through.

“We’re very determined to go down to Wellington [and win]. We realise it’s a tough place to play, it always has been, and they’re a team sitting at the top of the competition. It’s going to be a big challenge."