Possible new role for Donald

Kiwis fly-half contemplates shift to number 12

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 17th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Possible new role for Donald

Donald: Considering move to number 12

It's certainly a bit different than 10 so I'll have to spend some time in the saddle and learn it a bit

Stephen Donald
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New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald is considering a move to inside centre with game time in the number 10 jersey appearing increasingly limited.

The Chiefs and Waikato back has taken a tumble down the pecking order with the return of star playmaker Daniel Carter from injury and the growing prominence of Chiefs colleague Mike Delany.

Despite replacing Delany for the last 15 minutes of the All Blacks' meeting with Italy in Milan, the 25-year-old has revealed that New Zealand coaches have approached him about widening his skills at inside centre at Super 14 and Test level.

"I'm doing little bits and pieces to improve the things I need to do at 12. Moving forward if (Delany) is there at the Chiefs, who knows, I could end up playing a bit of time there," said Donald.

"It's certainly a bit different than 10 so I'll have to spend some time in the saddle and learn it a bit.

"It's an enjoyable role because you've got a bit more time and you're one further out. I'm probably pretty suited to it."

Under fire

Carter's absence this season has seen Donald start five Tests at fly-half, but he has come under fire as the All Blacks struggled.

Then when Donald did start outside Carter at inside centre for the 32-29 defeat to South Africa in Hamilton his performance did not earn much acclaim.

However, Donald refuses to be discouraged and is determined to make an impression off the bench.

"With three first-fives coming over I was under no illusion there would be times I didn't get game time," he told stuff.co.nz.

"It's part and parcel. I can't really complain too much. I've had a pretty good crack at it over the Tri-Nations and that's more than you could ask for and dream for.

"I come on at times at 10 and 12 and just hope to make a difference and make an impact. It's a role I've come to appreciate and how to do it well and enjoy it."