Rugby Championship: Dane Coles returns to New Zealand to attend the birth of first child

New Zealand hooker Dane Coles will miss Saturday's rugby Championship Test against Argentina because he is to return home for the birth of his first child.

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Coles has been first-choice at hooker for the All Blacks this season but Keven Mealamu is now set to make his 117th Test appearance at La Plata, with the uncapped Nathan Harris set to start on the bench.

Coles was expected to be available this week but not for the following match against South Africa, but it is now possible he will be available for the final round match in Johannesburg.

It is the latest disruption for the All Blacks, who lost the services of Aaron Cruden after the fly-half missed the team's flight to Argentina following a late-night drinking session.

The All Blacks sit atop the Rugby Championship standings after three wins and a draw, and will name their team to face Argentina on Thursday.