4 Aug 2016

Coles '80 percent' to make final for Canes

4:31 pm on 4 August 2016

The Hurricanes' captain Dane Coles rates himself an 80 percent chance to play the Super Rugby final against the Lions in Wellington.

Hurricanes captain Dane Coles receives treatment.

Hurricanes captain Dane Coles receives treatment. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Canes have named their team for Saturday night's game and have sprung no surprises.

Coles is again bracketed to start, with Ricky Riccitelli the alternative.

The All Blacks hooker missed last weekend's semi-final win over the Chiefs with a rib cartilage injury.

Coles said he has been able to participate in full scrum and contact training and is an 8/10 chance to lead his side out as they chase their maiden Super Rugby title.

"I'm pretty confident as I got through a lot today, more than I did last week, and I'll give myself a big session tomorrow.

"The decision could be right up to kickoff but I'm pretty confident and am in a good space.

"I did some scrums this morning and things are looking pretty promising," he said.

Julian Savea will return to the bench for the third straight week, with Jason Woodward starting on the wing.

Hurricanes and All Black winger Julian Savea.

Hurricanes and All Black winger Julian Savea. Photo: Photosport

The Johannesburg-based Golden Lions are also chasing their maiden Super Rugby title.

Hurricanes team to play the Lions:

15 James Marshall

14 Cory Jane

13 Matt Proctor

12 Willis Halaholo

11 Jason Woodward

10 Beauden Barrett

9 TJ Perenara (vc)

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

Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli/Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Reggie Goodes/ Michael Kainga, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins/Tony Lamborn, Jamison Gibson-Park, Vince Aso, Julian Savea.