27 Sep 2014

Coles heading home

3:04 pm on 27 September 2014

The All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has returned home early to attend the birth of his first child, with rookie hooker Nathan Harris now expected to make his debut against the Pumas.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Coles had originally been expected to leave the team after Sunday's clash in La Plata and miss their final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on October 4th.

The Hurricanes hooker left the team's hotel in Buenos Aires after performing a haka to team-mates, a tradition for a player leaving the All Blacks camp.

It has been suggested that if his partner Sarah gave birth this week there is the possibility Coles could rejoin the team in South Africa.

All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dane Coles and Conrad Smith in action against South Africa in Wellington 2014

All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dane Coles and Conrad Smith in action against South Africa in Wellington 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Veteran Keven Mealamu is expected to step into the starting role against the Pumas with Harris, the only other specialist hooker in the squad, to come onto the bench.

It is the second time the All Blacks' preparations during the Rugby Championship have been affected by players leaving earlier than expected.

Centre Conrad Smith missed the first Test against Australia in Sydney after his wife went into labour.

It is also the second disruption coach Steve Hansen has had to face this week with flyhalf Aaron Cruden dropped for their final two matches in the southern hemisphere competition after he was late for the flight to Argentina on Sunday following a night out drinking.