Coles hoping to be fit for final

Hurricanes captain Dane Coles has been bracketed for Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Lions in Wellington.

If Coles is fit to play he would be the only change to the team that started the semi-final win over the Chiefs at the same venue last weekend.

Ricky Riccitelli, who started at hooker against the Chiefs, has once again been bracketed with his skipper for the final, while there are also two late calls to be made in the reserves.

Opensider Callum Gibbins, who missed the semi-final with an Achilles injury, has once again been bracketed with Tony Lamborn, while prop Reggie Goodes has also been bracketed with Mike Kainga as he continues to work through concussion protocols.

Head coach Chris Boyd said the situation with Coles was similar to last week.

'Colesy has made good progress each day and clearly he’s very keen to play in the final,' he said. 'He will do everything he can to be fit for kick-off and if he doesn’t make it, then we have every confidence Ricky and Leni will step up and do a good job if required.

'It’s a similar situation on the bench where we’re very fortunate to have some quality depth should Callum or Reggie not be able to prove their fitness in time. We will give them all as much time as they need before making the final call.'

Hurricanes – 15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles (c)/Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Loni Uhila.
Subs: 16 Ricky Riccitelli/Leni Apisai, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Mike Kainga/Reggie Goodes, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins/Tony Lambourn, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Vince Aso, 23 Julian Savea.

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Post by