All Blacks make shift fly half Stephen Donald terms himself fit for the challenging awaiting him in the international line up – Rugby News
New Zealand professional Rugby Union player, Stephen Donald has been called into the All Blacks 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) squad, following the injuries to their first choice fly half duo of
Dan Carter, and Colin Slade. He has been named in the squad to provide cover to the Aaron Cruden, who is more likely to star at the fly half position, in the All Blacks upcoming semifinal encounter against Wallabies.
Donald has termed himself fully fit for the big occasion. He has expressed his excitement for the chance to represent All Blacks in the RWC tournament. He said, “Now I've been given a crack
and an opportunity here which I'm extremely excited about being a part of. Fitness-wise I am pretty confident. Very confident.”
Donald was due to join the Aviva Premiership side, Bath Rugby, in November 2011. He has not played any competitive rugby for the last month or so. He added that he has spent his time watching
the World Cup, before he got a late call up into the Rugby World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old Donald added that after being left out of the initial All Blacks 30-man squad for the global tournament, he never gave up hope. Due to relatively long and competitive tournament,
it was always on card that the teams will lose their players with the injuries. He added, “You're always hopeful and I was keeping fit and just waiting. My chance has come now so that's all I'm worried about.”
Donald added that he was whitebaiting at the Waikato River, when he received the call from the All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, who told him to 'Start answering your phone, you idiot'. He
further added that before Muliaina’s call, All Blacks head coach, Graham Henry, called him couple of times, but he missed his calls.
The Papakura born Donald started his professional rugby union career with New Zealand’s provincial Rugby Union side, Counties Manukau in 2002. Later in 2004, he joined the Waikato Chiefs,
where he helped them to win the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup. He so far has made 45 appearances for the Waikato and has scored 326 points for them.
Donald made his super rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2005. He so far has played 71 games for them and has scored massive 731 points for the Chiefs in different Super Rugby competitions. He
made his international debut for All Blacks against England in 2008. He so far has made 22 international appearances for All Blacks and has scored 95 points.
Donald last played an international for All Blacks on November 27, 2010 against Wales. He expressed his confidence to match the physical demands required in their remaining game(s) of the tournament.
All Blacks will host Wallabies at in the second semifinal of the 2011 RWC at Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday, October 16.
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