Rugby Championship
All Blacks baby boom opens door for Nathan Harris
August 28, 2014
New Zealand's Keven Mealamu offloads the ball, New Zealand v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, October 19, 2013
Keven Mealamu is the obvious replacement should Dane Coles be unavailable © Getty Images
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Dane Coles is likely to miss New Zealand's first Test against the Springboks in Wellington next week as the All Blacks' baby boom continues.

The Hurricanes hooker's partner is due to give birth to his first child around the September 13 fixture, opening a chance for Chiefs rake Nathan Harris, who has been an apprentice in the squad over the past 12 months, to make his debut from the bench.

Veteran Keven Mealamu will likely be handed the starting berth.

Conrad Smith missed the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney after rushing home to be with his wide for the birth of their son.

Sherwin Stowers also missed warm up games ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be with his expectant wife.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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