All Blacks: Donald sees future at second-five

Stephen Donald may be forced to play in the No 12 jersey for the Chiefs in next year’s Super 14. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - Having been overtaken by Mike Delany, All Black Stephen Donald admits his immediate rugby future probably lies at second five-eighth.

Donald played his 18th test in the All Blacks' 20-6 win over Italy in Milan on Sunday (NZT), replacing Delany in the final 15 minutes for his ninth cap from the reserves bench.

He started five tests at first five-eighth in 2009 in Dan Carter's injury-enforced absence but just as he looked poised to retain his spot as backup pivot on this tour, Delany forced his way into contention.

Donald conceded Delany now had his nose in front and revealed the All Blacks coaches had spoken to him about broadening his skills in the No 12 jersey at both Super 14 and test level.

"They've talked to me that down the track it'd be great if I could keep honing my skills, and the little differences required at 12," Donald said.

"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.

"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. If you're on the park you'll play anywhere, it's something I don't mind."

Donald started at No 12, outside Carter, in the All Blacks' 29-32 loss to the Springboks in Hamilton in September, which wasn't viewed as a resounding success.

But the trend towards two ball-playing five-eighths, as favoured by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, kept Donald's and Luke McAlister's names in the frame - either starting or off the bench.

Donald said he had come to appreciate a bench role with the All Blacks and he had worked hard to try and make an impact, which he had done in past tests alongside Carter.

And he was still feeling positive about the northern hemisphere tour despite moving down the pecking order.

"With three first-fives I was under no illusions that there would be times I wouldn't get game time.

"It's part and parcel of it. I can't complain, I've had a pretty good crack at it this year and over the Tri-Nations. It's more than you could dream for.

"I'll keep training hard and whatever chances I get I'll try and take."

- NZPA