MacDonald raring to go

Former All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald feels in good enough shape to play Super 12 rugby after his whirlwind recall to the Crusaders.

MacDonald, 27, arrived in New Zealand on Monday after finishing his year-long contract with Japanese club Yamaha.

He has been pitched straight onto the Crusaders' bench for Saturday's season opener in Canberra against the 2004 champion Brumbies.

A week ago MacDonald was playing at first five-eighth for Yamaha in Osaka as they crashed out of the All-Japan Cup after a semifinal defeat to NEC.

The Japanese scene is nowhere near as competitive as the Super 12 but MacDonald believed he would bre ready to face the defending champion ACT Brumbies.

"I think I should be right," he said.

"It's hard to say. The level I've been playing at is obviously not Super 12 standard, so I'm not quite certain exactly where I'm at.

"But I feel I'm not too far off being where I want to be. I'm not too worried at the moment."

Far from feeling jaded, MacDonald said he felt energised again and ready for another challenge.

"It doesn't feel like I'm finishing a season, it feels like I'm starting a new one."

MacDonald left New Zealand rugby at 26, at the peak of his powers but he doesn't regret his stint in Japan.

"It's been a great experience. The rugby was very enjoyable to play in. It's a lot less structured and quite open and free-running," he said.

"It was a nice chance to freshen up and enjoy myself on the field once more.

"Now I want to get back in and try and get stuck in with the Crusaders again."

MacDonald expected the transition to be reasonably seamless.

"The moves haven't changed too much, so that's not too much of a problem, and most of the guys I've played with before a fair bit.

"Even though I was away for a year it doesn't feel like I've been away very long."

Fijian recruit Vilimoni Delasau is the only Crusaders back MacDonald has never played with. He recalled playing alongside wing Rico Gear with New Zealand Maori.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who said MacDonald "came straight to training as soon as he got off the plane", welcomed the stalwart's return.

"He brings a lot of versatility and gives us cover off the bench this weekend."

- NZPA