Coltman (23) has joined the All Black training squad in Wellington this week as the national side begins its preparations for the second Bledisloe Cup test at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
The All Black coaches have decided to run an apprentice-like programme for young hookers and will invite a young hooker into the All Black camp for each of the three home tests in the Rugby Championship.
Coltman was announced as the first ''apprentice'' and will soak up the atmosphere of the All Black camp.
He will be released from the All Black camp tonight and will join the Otago team in Hamilton on Thursday.
All Black coach Steve Hansen is a big fan of getting to know players and assessing them first-hand to see whether they are up to this level.
Coltman played for the New Zealand Colts in 2010, and has been making a steady rise in the sport. He played most of his early rugby at prop and was only switched to hooker when he made the colts side.
Originally from Taranaki, the Alhambra-Union club member made his debut in the Super 15 this season and played well in a disappointing Highlanders campaign.
His all-energy display and tough, driving play would be a real asset for the All Blacksal though there are still some concerns over his lineout throwing.
The All Blacks have two ageing hookers in Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore. Mealamu is 34, and Hore turns 35 next month.
Hansen will want to get a close-up look at young hookers as one is bound to make the end-of-year tour.
All Black assistant coach Ian Foster said nothing could be read into Coltman being the first player picked as the apprentice, as it had more to do with geography than anything else.
The All Blacks are tipped to take some young players to Japan in early November to take on the Cherry Blossoms, before the side flies to Europe to play Ireland, France and England.
The other two hookers to enter the camp, in Auckland and Hamilton, have not been named but likely candidates include Taranaki's Rhys Marshall and Canterbury's Ben Funnell.
Canterbury rake Codie Taylor may have been a candidate for the position but he has injured his pectoral muscle and is out for the rest of the year.
