All Blacks star does not want another 's*** feeling'
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks star Dane Coles is determined not to be part of the first All Blacks team to lose to Argentina.
Coles knows what it feels like to be part of some unwanted history after being part of the All Blacks’ first historic loss to Ireland in 2016.
The All Blacks went down 29-40 in front of 60 000 fans at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“I’ve been in the first All Black team to lose to Ireland and it was a s*** feeling to be fair,” Coles said.
“If that happened [against Argentina] it would be a very guttering feeling, so it’s our job to just bring it back to the week, give them the respect that they deserve but worry about us and just make sure we keep our feet on the ground.”
The All Blacks face a tough challenge in Buenos Aires against an Argentinian team full of confidence after the Jaguares’ run to the Super Rugby Final.
Steve Hansen’s side will be without regular skipper Kieran Read and his deputy Sam Whitelock who are among eight Crusaders players that will not be travelling to Buenos Aires after their recent Super rugby Final victory.
The other six are Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Matt Todd, Richie Mo’unga and Jack Goodhue. They are all being rested for the match against the Springboks in Wellington on July 27.
However, Coles said the squad are giving themselves the best chance of extending their winning record over Argentina.
“Work hard and prep really well so we give ourselves the best chance of that [losing] not happening,” he added.
All Black squad in Argentina:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jackson Hemopo, Sam Cane (captain), Vaea Fifita, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea.
Backs: Thomas Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Josh Ioane, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith (vice-captain).
Source: tvnz.co.nz
