Rugby: Dane Coles won't hold back despite Hurricanes captaincy

Dane Coles will captain the Hurricanes in week three of Super Rugby. Photo / Getty

Dane Coles won't change his aggressive on-field approach despite being given the captaincy for the Hurricanes this week.

The All Black hooker will lead the Hurricanes against the Western Force in Perth tomorrow night as regular skipper Conrad Smith takes a rest.

Coles is known for his abrasive approach to the game and he has been reprimanded by referees in the past for his style of play. But it's got him this far so he doesn't see any need to give up on a successful formula.

"I'll still go out and play my game," the 28-year-old said. "Obviously I don't want to do something stupid, especially with the way that a few players have been cited lately. So I'll play on the edge but do it in the right way."

Coles said he would rather lead by example as opposed to delivering inspirational words to his troops as the Hurricanes look to continue their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby season.

"I've got pretty good leadership in the team and I talked to a few of the older guys this week because I'm not much of a talker. I'll say something, obviously, but I've got the backup from that leadership group and the senior players."

The likes of No 8 Victor Vito and first-five Beauden Barrett will be reliable lieutenants for Coles, while veteran halfback Chris Smylie will lend a steady hand as he gets a rare start in place of TJ Perenara.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Coles was a logical choice to lead the side while Smith took a prescribed break.

"Dane's a senior member of the team and he's well-respected. At the end of the day, I think there's a lot of guys that will contribute to the leadership on the field," Boyd said.

Smith, one of many All Blacks in the Hurricanes who will need to sit out two games this season on top of the two bye rounds, flew home to New Zealand from South Africa earlier this week to make the most of his time off. Rey Lee-Lo will start at centre for the Hurricanes against the Force.

Boyd will also have to rest Barrett, Julian Savea, Cory Jane and Coles as the season wears on. Second-five Ma'a Nonu was spelled in the first week against the Lions and will require one more game off.

The Hurricanes beat the Lions and the Bulls during their trip to the Republic and a win over the Force would complete a dream start with a bye awaiting them next week.

Aside from Lee-Lo and Smylie starting in the backline, Boyd has made a handful of other changes for the encounter with the Force with James Marshall getting a run at fullback in place of Jason Woodward. Vito will also start at the back of the scrum, which forces Blade Thomson to the second-row as lock Mark Abbott drops to the bench. Ardie Savea will start at openside this week as Callum Gibbins reverts to the pine.

The match kicks off at nib Stadium in Perth on Saturday at 12am (NZT).

Hurricanes: James Marshall, Cory Jane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Chris Smylie, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Blade Thomson, Ben Franks, Dane Coles (c), Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder.