New Zealand
Jamie Joseph backs Liam Coltman's All Blacks claims
April 9, 2015
Super Rugby Preview: Round 9
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Players/Officials: Liam Coltman

Liam Coltman is capable of fulfilling his All Blacks dream, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says.

Coltman, 25, was in the All Black selectors' sights early last year before falling out of contention as he struggled with his lineout throwing, but the hooker, who has played 27 games for the Highlanders and 51 for Otago, has been in much better all-round form this year and is demanding another look with the All Blacks lacking depth in the position.

Liam Coltman of the Highlanders speaks during an All Black media session, Christchurch, May 18, 2014
Liam Coltman © Getty Images
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He and Ash Dixon have shared the Highlanders No.2 jersey - Coltman will start on the bench against the Crusaders - and Joseph said both had been outstanding.

"Liam's game has improved all over the place," he said. "I think he's a real show for the black jersey. He had a real show last year but a couple of things happened and he didn't nail a couple of performances when they were required."

Joseph, meanwhile, said that Coltman and his forwards players had to be solid against the Crusaders in the second Southern Derby of the season as their rivals' pack had hit their straps.

"We're certainly up against it, and any team that can bring Richie McCaw and Dan Carter off the bench has immense depth," he said. "The Crusaders were outstanding against the Sharks and they showed why they have made finals and won championships in the past."

Joseph has kept faith with the team that beat the Stormers 39-21 two weeks ago, naming an unchanged line-up.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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