While he proved a popular figure off the field, Dean Coleman had the misfortune to register one of the more remarkable statistics in the history of the Crusaders, in that he appeared for Super rugby’s most successful franchise on eight occasions without ever managing to enjoy a win. The versatile Waikato forward, who could operate at either six, eight or in the second row, was drafted to the Crusaders for the first Super 12 after having featured in the side that lost the Ranfurly Shield, 26-29, to Canterbury during his debut season as a Waikato player in 1994. The Hamilton Marist forward went on to appear 32 times for Waikato, bowing out in style with a 39-35 win over Scotland during his last match, later in 1996. Earlier that year, he made four match starts as a Crusader, while also featuring as a substitute on a further four occasions.