OUT-HALF STEPHEN DONALD will return to Super Rugby at the grand old age of 35, more than seven years after he gained cult status by kicking New Zealand to victory in the 2011 World Cup final, the Waikato Chiefs announced today.
Donald, nicknamed Beaver, was a late addition to the Chiefs squad after young pivot Tiaan Falcon ruptured an Achilles tendon, coach Colin Cooper said.
“He is a good conductor of the game and will deliver for the team when provided the opportunity,” Cooper said of Donald, who was New Zealand’s fourth-choice out-half in 2011 but became an unlikely hero.
Donald was on the outskirts of the All Blacks squad before the 2011 World Cup after being blamed for a loss to Australia the previous year, and decided to go fishing rather than watch the tournament.
But after injuries to Dan Carter and Colin Slade, he received a late call-up which he initially ignored, believing it was a prank.
When Aaron Cruden limped off early in the final against France, Donald took to the field, bursting out of a spare shirt belonging to the diminutive Cruden because he had none of his own.
He kicked a wobbly penalty early in the second half which was enough to give New Zealand a tense 8-7 victory and end a 24-year drought for the host nation.
It was his last international and he went on to play with Bath in England, before making a temporary return to the Chiefs, captaining them to a win over Warren Gatland’s touring Wales side in 2016.
However, Donald, who has since had stints with three clubs in Japan, will not be the oldest player to take to the field in Super Rugby if he does get a game in his latest comeback with the Chiefs.
That honour belongs to tough-as-teak lock Brad Thorn, now coaching the Queensland Reds, who was still playing regularly for Otago Highlanders at 39.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)