Coltman will line up for Otago tomorrow when it takes on Bay of Plenty but that could be the last time he is in the blue and gold for a while.
Coltman (26) will join the All Blacks on Monday, part of the squad preparing for the test against Argentina in Hamilton on September 10.
The rake was part of the All Black squad for the Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington, called in to cover for the injuries to Codie Taylor and Nathan Harris.
The inclusion came out of the blue for Coltman.
"I didn’t know too much about it. I went down and played Southland then after the game Cory [Otago coach Cory Brown] called all the boys into the changing sheds. My dad was there and he said I’d been called in," he said.
"It was a pretty good feeling. Just unreal really. I just enjoyed my time when I was there. It’s hard to describe — just the level they do things. It’s world-class.
"Colesy [Dane Coles] was a good man. If I had one to a hundred questions he would always be there helping me and giving me feedback. I roomed with him and he just helped me all the time."
Coltman, who missed more than two months of Super rugby because of a turf-toe injury, did not make the 23-man squad for the test although he warmed up with the team before the match.
He flew back to Dunedin this week and will captain Otago tomorrow, after coming off the bench in the win over Northland on Wednesday.
Coltman said it had been a great start for Otago — three wins from as many games — and he put that down to more experience in the team and players working hard.
"I remember one time early on when we went down to Southland and Jason Rutledge had more caps for Southland than everyone in our team combined.
"Guys now have got a bit of Super rugby experience and have played for a while at this level. Experience does help.
"You just know how to approach the game, understand what has to be done for the preparation of the game."
After such a good start for Otago it would look to continue that form in its fourth game in 15 days.
The hooker, who has played 62 games for Otago, said the body felt good although the constant rugby sometimes caught up with him.
"It’s more about recovery than anything else. Going to the pool, doing lots of stretching. During the game is all right. Afterwards it starts getting a bit sore.
"You body starts to stiffen up and things start aching."
Coltman is one of a raft of changes to the Otago side from the team which beat Northland.
In total there are 11 changes with Tom Franklin, Matt Faddes, Michael Collins and Fa’asiu Fuatai the only players returning in the same positions.
Naulia Dawai shifts from the openside flank to No 8 with Paul Grant resting a sore calf.
Lock Blair Tweed damaged his shoulder on Wednesday but it is not as bad as first thought and he will miss a couple of weeks.
Bay of Plenty has lost its first two games — both against Premiership sides — so will be out to get in the win column.
Otago v Bay of Plenty
Tauranga, tomorrow, 2.35pm
Otago: Michael Collins, Fa’asiu Fuatai, Matt Faddes, Tei Walden, Mitchell Scott, Scott Eade, Jonathan Ruru, Naulia Dawai, Lee Allan, Adam Knight, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Donald Brighouse, Liam Coltman (captain), Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli, Hisa Sasagi, Tom Rowe, Sione Teu, Josh Walden, Fletcher Smith, Jack Wilson.
Bay of Plenty: Te Rangi Fraser, Monty Ioane, Lalakai Foketi, Terrence Hepetema, regan Ware, Kelly Haimona, Te Aihe Toma, Joe Tupe, Hugh Blake, Jesse Parete, Troy Callander, Keepa Mewett, Pingi Tala’apitaga, Liam Polwart, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi. Reserves: James O’Reilly, Aidan Ross, Jeff Thwaites, Culum Retallick, Matty Axtens, Henry Stowers, Luke Campbell, Isaac Te Aute.
Referee: Cam Stone (Taranaki)