All Black back on the field after horror injury

New Zealand international Dane Coles made his long-awaited return from injury for Wellington in the NPC on Friday.

The All Black hooker ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in an international against France in Paris last November, with a tricky rehabilitation keeping the 31-year-old out for almost a year.

But Coles, whose 2017 season was disrupted by concussion, was finally back on the field with Wellington at Yarrow Stadium.

Lions lock up semi-final spot after win over Taranakihttps://t.co/GEMRtMdprX pic.twitter.com/fwRLH6tRlb

— Wellington Rugby (@WgtnRugby) October 12, 2018

The Hurricanes captain had an instant impact, too, emerging from the bench with 16 minutes remaining and playing a part in a late try as his side ran out 34-10 winners over Taranaki.

Wellington booked their place in the NPC semifinals, while Taranaki’s relegation was sealed in defeat.