RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019: Stephen Donald heroics for New Zealand still inspire awe eight years on
Daily MailIf anyone in rugby has learned to expect the unexpected, it is former All Black No 10 Stephen Donald. Stephen Donald was hailed as the player that won the World Cup for New Zealand in 2011 He was left out of New Zealand’s World Cup squad, fourth choice, but that all changed when Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden were struck by injury. Donald’s story is frequently referenced by England coach Eddie Jones — usually to give hope to those left out of his squad — as the fly-half was drafted in to kick the winning points in the 2011 World Cup final. ‘I guess it’s a bit of a double-edged compliment to have your name reeled out when someone’s left out the team — “Ah, this guy managed it, so you can too.” If I’m totally honest, I wasn’t in the greatest shape when I got the call so that probably undermines his story a little bit! Donald's remarkable story is frequently referenced by England coach Eddie Jones ‘I had a very social six weeks — not watching what was going into my mouth — and put on five kilos.
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