MacDonald on fast track to timely Canterbury return

All Black fullback Leon MacDonald is on course to be back with Canterbury for their Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki on Friday.

MacDonald has yet to receive the medical all-clear, but his hamstring injury has responded well and he hopes to be available for the clash at Jade Stadium.

After watching Canterbury's dramatic last-gasp defence of the shield against Wellington on Saturday, MacDonald knows he would rather be playing than watching.

"It was a lot more stressful from the stand. That was a pretty intense game, but, gee, was it ever nerve-racking sitting in the stand. I'd definitely rather be out there playing."

MacDonald's only appearance for Canterbury this season was half a game against Otago at Carisbrook on September 15. His left hamstring injury prevented his return after the break.

"I've never really had any hamstring problems before - it's been painful, one of those really annoying injuries," MacDonald said yesterday after successfully completing training with Canterbury.

"Two weeks is long enough without a game. It was a light training, but I managed to get through everything, so that was pleasing.

"I haven't really stretched out fully yet, but I'll be checking in with the physio later. I think I'm not far off from doing everything."

MacDonald, 23, said he appreciated that his selection was not automatic when he was cleared to play.

"It's going to be a tough ask for the coaches when the time comes for selection because the guys who did the job against Wellington put in a huge performance," he said.

MacDonald watched Taranaki post a half-century of points against Counties Manukau in New Plymouth on Saturday night and was suitably impressed.

"They seemed like the Taranaki of old, with a really strong forward pack that went well all day and set the platform for the backs."

- NZPA