Hurricanes Play Waiting Game To See If Coles Is Fit To Play Semi Final

The Hurricanes are holding out hope their skipper will make a miraculous recovery for Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final against the Chiefs in Wellington.

Dane Coles is in serious doubt with a rib injury suffered in the quarter-final against the Sharks in Wellington.

Assistant coach John Plumtree said they're still waiting for a better picture.

"See what the damage is and see how he's feeling. Clearly he can't play if he's that sore so it's going to be a late call I would say."

Ricky Riccitelli is Coles' back-up and said like their captain he likes to play out wide.

"It's the modern day hooker's role to get that third flanker, fourth loosey kind of thing. That's part of our role now. It's got to be done. Yeah I do back myself in space."

Riccitelli said while it'd be unfortunate for the team to lose Coles, he has to turn it into a positive for himself.

"I just take every opportunity I get and do what I can to fulfill those shoes of Dane Coles' so I've enjoyed. That's all I can ask for really."

Having roomed with Coles Riccitelli said he's picked up plenty of tips and tricks.

"The way he presents himself to the boys, always works hard and knows when to have a laugh. At training he's always on to it, always does his homework and really leads by example so I think that's the big thing for me."

The Hurricanes have no other injury concerns.

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