KEY POINTS:
EDINBURGH - It's true, rugby life does begin at 50.
At least that's how fullback Leon MacDonald is feeling on the eve of raising a half-century of tests against Scotland in their World Cup clash here on Monday morning (NZ time).
MacDonald couldn't help but agree when informed of assistant coach Wayne Smith's opinion expressed this week that the 29-year-old was in the best form of his life.
The Super 14 conditioning programme and a groin injury that ruled him out of the last three tests of the Tri-Nations had left him physically refreshed and mentally hungry.
It has shone through with bright attacking performances against Italy and Portugal at this tournament.
"It's a different feeling at this time of year to what I've normally had," he said.
"I'm feeling really good and I don't feel like I'm rugby-ed out.
"Not coming out of a long Super 14 or Tri-Nations has helped. Quite often you feel a little bit battered and bruised."
Smith said MacDonald's testing results after undergoing conditioning were career bests, including his sprint times.
"During the Tri-Nations he was coming into some sensational form, he was really quick," Smith said.
"The injury set him back a wee bit but he's come back surprisingly well. I've been amazed at how he's really hit his straps.
"He would feel himself he's in the best nick of his life, given the protracted buildup he's had."
Although he has made sporadic appearances at centre and first five-eighth, MacDonald has largely been regarded as a fullback specialist since his test debut - against Scotland - at Dunedin seven years ago.
He will become the third fullback to raise 50 tests after Christian Cullen (58) and current teammate Mils Muliaina (54).
MacDonald and Muliaina are contesting the No 15 jersey at this tournament, with Muliaina currently sidelined with a hamstring strain.
- NZPA
