Coles pays tribute to mentor Mealamu
The All Blacks hooker believes he owes a huge debt to centurion Keven Mealamu, his "special" teammate, for helping transform him into one of the finest forwards in the game.
Coles has become the prototype of the 21st century front row forward, combining traditional raw power with handling skills and pace that would have been an unthinkable mix less than a generation ago. His performances at World Cup have done nothing to dent his reputation as the best hooker in the world.
Yet as he recalled his early career being marred by off-field incidents and remembered watching the 2011 victory "as a fan", the 28-year-old Hurricanes star could reflect on how he had completely changed his approach to rugby three years ago, with All Blacks legend Mealamu helping guide him to the top.
"You always dream to be in these moments but until you're actually here you never really think it will come true. I enjoyed the festivities and once that was through, I kind of just worked [extra hard] because I really wanted to be an All Black and eventually I got the chance.
"I remember watching that final in 2011, I was just a fan. So to be here and hopefully get a chance to play, it's a dream come true. I just can't wait," Coles said.
Coles thinks the turning point in his career came in 2012 when Andrew Hore, the vastly experienced All Blacks hooker to whom he had been an understudy at the Hurricanes, moved to the Highlanders.
"I just thought to myself that I've been playing on the bench for three years and that I'm going to be an All Black the following year. I just did everything in my power to give myself the chance," he reflected.
Once his obvious talent began to be honed by Steve Hansen's team, this was where Mealamu came in. Coles talks reverentially of the 131-capped 36-year-old, who – like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu – will be making his farewell bow for New Zealand on Saturday.
"He's a guy I always looked up to and to be actually in the same team, I've had countless conversations with him over the years to help me improve my game and he's probably the main reason why I've had the chance to play in the All Blacks for a little while now.
"I can't say the words to explain how much he means to me and what he's done for me over the years. He's a very special man," he added.
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