OPINION: The missing piece is back. The All Blacks puzzle is never complete without Dane Coles. He is the All Blacks' greatest ever hooker.
The 49-Test veteran has a skill set so special for his position that, unlike most number twos through history, he is often the difference between New Zealand and the rest of the world. A hooker that runs like a back. It's outrageous.
For all of Codie Taylor's efforts, and he has been solid, some Coles magic could well have turned the Lions series from draw to a win.
His head knock robbed New Zealanders of the series being everything it could have been.
Let's hope that the flare up from the Super Rugby semifinal is the last we hear of Coles' concussion issues.
The 30-year-old is probably the only player the planet where there is absolutely no argument against him being the number one in his position. He is probably rugby's most unique talent.
Aaron Smith is great but the Irish have a strong argument for Conor Murray. Beauden Barrett is too but plenty of English people will talk up Owen Farrell.
For every Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock fan there'll be someone in the UK singing "Oh, Maro Itoje."
Coles is also a superb leader. He wears his heart on his sleeve. The Hurricanes have thrived under him. When he talks, he's forthright and funny.
There's only one hooker I've watched that's come close to matching Coles.
Former Springboks hooker Uli Schmidt was a phenomenon with ball in hand. He was fast, could step off both feet and had ball skills. He's was also uncompromising.
Unfortunately, and appropriately, due to the atrocities of apartheid, his abilities were mostly lost to test rugby. Another South African, Schalk Britz, also had his potential but it was truly realised.
Coles' return is bad news for the Wallabies. They were bad enough in Sydney. Now they have to cope with the full attacking arsenal.
As far as I'm concerned, with Coles back, the Wallabies stand no chance of winning in Dunedin.
Ross Karl is the rugby editor for Newshub Sport.
