‘Beaver’ beats nerves
STEPHEN Donald was nervous and felt weird about returning to his ‘‘home park’’ in Hamilton.
‘Beaver’ was back but starting for Counties Manukau against Waikato in Friday’s Mitre 10 Cup clash the Mooloos won 33-21.
Counties tabled an offer for the 33-year-old five-eighth to continue playing provincial rugby when it looked like another chapter would be added to his Waikato career.
Donald wasn’t keen to head overseas again after the Chiefs didn’t offer him a new contract, and representing Counties for the first time in 14 years was the only option available.
‘‘I read some stuff during the week saying I walked out on Waikato but that wasn’t the case,’’ he said. ‘‘I was grateful for Counties. I took my time to make a decision and it worked out overseas wasn’t for me.
‘‘When I decided to stay in New Zealand, Counties’ offer was on the table and there was nothing else.’’ GETTY IMAGES
Donald admitted facing Waikato so soon after returning to Counties was ‘‘a bit weird’’ because he still considers FMG Stadium Waikato his home turf.
He still lives in Hamilton and captained the Chiefs against the British and Irish Lions in June, in a year he celebrated passing 100 caps for the franchise.
Counties was where Donald’s fabled career started in 2001 after growing up in Waiuku before winning 60 Waikato caps in two spells between 2004 and 2016.
‘‘I was a bit nervous about coming tonight [Friday] because I’ve poured my heart into this place for a long time,’’ he said.
‘‘But the reception I got and people around town have been saying it’s great what you’ve done and I got a lot of messages of support from some Waikato legends.’’
The story leading to his successful penalty goal as the All Blacks beat France 8-7 in the 2011 World Cup final at Eden Park has become folklore in New Zealand, so it felt strangely inevitable that Donald would score for Counties against Waikato in Hamilton.
The Steelers trailed 26-0 after 48 minutes when Tevita Nabura broke down the left flank and passed inside to Donald, who strolled over the line. Augustine Pulu’s try then really raised hopes of an improbable comeback in the final quarter after Waikato had dominated the opening hour.
But when Samisoni Taukei’aho barged over as the Mooloos hit back immediately to lead 33-14, Jonathan Taumateine’s later score under the crossbar was ultimately in vain as Counties suffered their first loss of the season.
Donald conceded the Steelers maybe thought they were better than they are after beating provincial powerhouse Auckland 16-14 in Pukekohe last Saturday.
‘‘We just didn’t match Waikato’s start and they were outstanding early with their intensity,’’ he said.