The signs aren't good for the Hurricanes that captain Dane Coles will be fit for Saturday's super rugby semi final against the Chiefs.
Coles, who came off in the his side's quarter final win over the Sharks last weekend with a rib injury has been bracketed in the starting lineup with Ricky Riccitelli
He took little part in the Hurricanes training today and avoided any contact work.
Coles has been bracketed with Ricky Riccitelli in an otherwise unchanged Hurricanes starting lineup which means All Black winger Julian Savea remains in the reserves, with Jason Woodward again starting on the left wing.
"There's no point me being only 50 percent (fit). I'll be no good to anyone..I want to be 90 or a hundred and I've got full confidence in the guys behind me, Ricky and Leni (Apisai)," said Coles.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Coles would be given every opportunity to prove his fitness for the semifinal.
The Hurricanes aren't giving up hope that Dane Coles will be able to lead them out in the Super rugby semi-final against the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport
"Colesy is doing everything he can to get himself fit in time for kick off, but at the end of the day we just won't know until a little closer to kick off."
Riccitelli has appeared in seven matches this season as a substitute.
Boyd said it was pleasing to be able to name such a settled team for the semifinal.
"Clearly the team performed well against the Sharks and it was a bit of a no brainer to let the same side carry on against the Chiefs. Whoever goes out there on Saturday knows we are in for a really tough test because the Chiefs are a quality team."
Boyd said a major plus for the Hurricanes was home advantage and with about 25,000 tickets sold as of Thursday afternoon.
Saturday's match will be the Hurricanes seventh appearance in a Super Rugby semifinal and the second time they have played the Chiefs this season at home this season.
The Hurricanes regular season match against the Chiefs in week nine produced a thrilling finish that saw the Hurricanes lose 28-27.
The Chiefs come into the match on the back of a 62-10 quarterfinal win over the Stormers in Cape Town.
Hurricanes:
James Marshall, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Willis Halaholo, Jason Woodward, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (vc), Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Ben May, Dane Coles (c)/Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila. Reserves: Riccitelli/Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Vince Aso, Julian Savea.
Kick off: 7:35pm.
