Coles to play with rib protector?

Cape Town - Hurricanes captain Dane Coles is making a desperate bid to play in Saturday's semi-final against the Chiefs, according to New Zealand media reports.

Fairfax Media reports that the All Blacks hooker is understood to be testing rib protectors to use in the crucial playoff. 

Coles was forced off the field after injuring rib cartilage in the Hurricanes, 41-0 quarter-final victory over the Sharks in Wellington last weekend.

There are a limited amount of rib protection garments available for rugby players online, although it is unknown whether they would be effective in numbing the impact of any collisions.

Players generally use tape to tighten the rib cage and prevent pain in that region. There are also several padded products used by American Football for rib protection but they would be illegal in rugby.

World Rugby's regulation 12 has strict rules relating to player dress code. This states that padding can be no thicker than 0.5cm when compressed.