Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles admits his return from injury last week come with its share of nerves, as he took to the field for the first time since November.
Coles injured his hamstring during last year's northern tour, but his timely return is a huge boost for the Wellington side, as they make a late push for the top four.
He will start from the bench again against the Waratahs on Saturday, a role he's embracin,g after last week's first hit-out.
"I was nervous, to be fair," Coles told Newshub. "A lot of hard work has gone into getting me back on the pitch.
"I think every game is different. I've worked out playing on the bench, sometimes it might be a clear head or a bit of energy."
With All Black jerseys up for grabs, Coles will have to work hard to push Asafo Aumua for the starting spot and selection to the national team.
He concedes a call-up may be out of reach, but is firmly focused on helping the Hurricanes book a home quarter-final.
"I'm probably not where I need to be right now," Coles said. "It's slightly out of our hands at this stage, but we want to do everything we can to make sure we get our three wins, so if anyone slips, we can get that home quarter."
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