All Blacks: Experience gave Donald edge, says Henry

Pragmatism won out over panache, experience over X-factor, when Stephen Donald was rewarded with the All Blacks' starting pivot role for Saturday's Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup rugby opener at Eden Park.

A week ago, Donald was rated next to no chance of playing against the Wallabies given he had strained a hamstring during the second test against France on June 20.

But a quicker than expected rehabilitation sees him return as Daniel Carter's understudy while Luke McAlister, unconvincing in his last outing, has the comfort of offering an impact off the bench.

Of the 10 alterations head coach Graham Henry announced from the side that stuttered past Italy in Christchurch almost three weeks ago, the call between Donald and McAlister prompted the most soul searching.

But, after weighing up their contributions so far this season, Henry acknowledged Donald deserved to start for the fifth time in his 12-test career.

A specialist first five-eighth, Donald's experience was favoured over McAlister, who is more assured a spot further out in midfield.

McAlister's ponderous start against the Italians, and generally subdued return to New Zealand rugby following a stint in England, pushed Donald's claims once he passed a medical last weekend.

"Steve's played at 10 for a considerable period of time, he has the knowledge of navigating a team - that was the biggest factor," Henry explained.

It was decided starting McAlister would be a substantial gamble given he was still refinding his feet in the All Black environment.

"Basically it came down to a huge ask for Luke to go in and boss a team around against a side of Australia's quality."

McAlister struggled with the responsibility against Italy in what was his only start at first five-eighth since returning home.

"You have to be pragmatic and make the sensible decision," Henry said.

Donald was blooded as an alternative pivot during last year's Tri-Nations and started the last meeting between the trans-Tasman rivals in Hong Kong last November although Carter ended that match in his rightful position.

The Waikato and Chiefs playmaker's form also fluctuated in the two test series against France but Henry emphasised they were confident in his ability.

Donald's remarkable recovery from his leg injury was a boost for Henry, who also has the experience of Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Andrew Hore back on deck after long lay-offs.

Medical staff initially warned Donald was a long shot and when McAlister reported back spasms, Henry was contemplating starting Piri Weepu or Stephen Brett against Wallabies maestro Matt Giteau.

"We were starting to think where do we go? It's all come together well for us really."

Donald has obviously drawn criticism when compared against the injured Carter, but Henry highlighted mitigating factors against the French.

"I know he got some criticism for the way he played but we've been pleased with him.

"He's a heady footballer, he'll run your team, give you 100 per cent - and he'll get better.

"I thought he played pretty well in Wellington. It was dreadful weather and five-eighth is the most difficult position to play in those conditions.

"Unless you're nine (halfback) takes over and runs the game it makes it a hell of a difficult night."

Jimmy Cowan started that test behind the scrum and has been reinstated after Brendon Leonard resumed his international career after two injury-plagued seasons.

Henry admitted running the Donald-Leonard provincial combination was considered, but Cowan's physicality earned him the nod for what is expected to be a wet-weather arm wrestle.

The starting line-up was otherwise predictable with McCaw, So'oialo and Hore back to reinforce the pack while Conrad Smith returns at centre.

Joe Rokocoko is relegated to the reserves as the selectors opted for Cory Jane's superior kicking skills on the right wing.

The All Blacks have chosen for a four forward, three back split on their bench.

Should McCaw fail to last the distance, So'oialo will revert to openside and Kieran Read will play at No 8.

Jason Eaton is named in a test squad for the first time since the 2006 end of year tour to cover lock and the blindside flank while one-test front rower Owen Franks has supplanted John Afoa as the spare prop.

Eden Park is sold out for the match, with 32,000 seats available in the under-development stadium.

ALL BLACKS:

Forwards: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So'oialo
Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina

RESERVES:

Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko

- NZPA