Dane Coles

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: New Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt speaks to media during a Rugby Australia media opportunity at Allianz Stadium on January 19, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.

Ex-All Black slams Schmidt’s ‘gut-punch’ move

Former All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has admitted that it hurts seeing Joe Schmidt take over the Wallabies after playing a key role for New Zealand at the 2023 World Cup.

All Blacks veteran announces retirement

All Blacks World Cup winner Dane Coles will retire at the end of this year, the veteran hooker said on Thursday.

A dejected Sam Cane and the All Blacks after the series loss to Ireland

Double blow for All Blacks

The All Blacks will be without the services of two of New Zealand’s most influential players for the rest of 2022.

Watch: The Matera ‘snub and shove’

Argentina loosie Pablo Matera wasn’t ready to shake hands with All Blacks hooker Dane Coles after an emphatic defeat in Hamilton.

epa09501264 Springboks player Lukhanyo Am in action during Round 6 of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks at CBus Stadiumon on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 02 October 2021. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Foster: Boks exposed All Blacks’ slow reaction

In the aftermath of a loss against the Springboks, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has earmarked decision-making under pressure as a key shortcoming that needs to be eliminated on their upcoming northern tour.

Coles: No leggings for front rowers

Hooker Dane Coles is sure that if anybody in the All Blacks squad opts to play in leggings during a Test match, it will be a backline player.

All Blacks name Boks toughest opponent

It doesn’t get tougher or more challenging than playing in South Africa and against the Springboks, said Crusaders captain and All Blacks lock Scott Barrett.

Beauden Barrett. Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Aotearoa, FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand. 20 June 2020. © Copyright Photo: Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz

Kiwi player poll delivers surprising results

An anonymous poll conducted among current New Zealand Vodacom Super Rugby players has revealed the majority believe Beauden Barrett is the best player in the country.

Watch: Player, Try of the Week – Super Rugby Aotearoa

Following round one of Vodacom Super Rugby Aotearoa, Blues wing Caleb Clarke was crowned as player of the week after an excellent attacking performance, while Hurricanes captain Dane Coles’ effort from 30 metres out was selected as the try of the week.

Watch: Coles’ late hit on Barrett

Check out Dane Coles’ late charge on former Hurricanes teammate Beauden Barrett in the closing stages of Sunday’s Vodacom Super Rugby Aotearoa match at Eden Park.