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Watch your back: Graham Henry stands behind Stephen Donald - Source: Photosport -
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Stephen Donald must be feeling like the fat kid at school - unwanted and immobile and now with a career defining decision on his hands, writes tvnz.co.nz's Chris Matthews.
November 12, 2009 and Stephen Donald heard the news he suspected was coming: Mike Delany named to start at first five-eight against Italy in Milan.
This was the third Test of the All Blacks' end of year tour and Donald had so far played just two minutes against the Wallabies in Hong Kong. Now leading into the French Test this weekend, he has spent a tick over five hours warming the bench.
It's scant reward for Donald, but then again, being Daniel Carter's reserve understudy was never meant to be glamorous.
And while his lack of game time raises serious questions about his selection on the tour in the first place, especially with Corey Flynn being just one of two hookers in the initial touring party, Donald best now turn his attention to 2010.
Indeed, he has already indicated that his future in the game may lie as a second five-eight, however, this is seemingly a knee-jerk reaction to Delany, the heir apparent to the Chiefs' lynchpin role, overtaking him in the All Blacks' set-up.
Donald though needs to think carefully about a switch of positions. The All Blacks' selectors may want him to morph him into a prototypal inside centre but the 25-year-old will be more aware than anyone that he played a shocker when he was last asked to play there against the Springboks in Hamilton.
In that instance, Graham Henry and company had hoped that Donald would come to life outside Carter, in the manner of the Suncorp Test of 2008, but instead he staggered off the field after 50 minutes looking confused and disheartened.
That was his last start in an All Blacks jersey and it may ultimately be his last start period if he switches to the number 12 jersey permanently.
Donald can't even guarantee that he will start at 12 for the Chiefs, given Callum Bruce's commanding form for Waikato this season, and while he may like to think he has the core skills of a 12, he should go-head-go with Delany for the better of New Zealand rugby.
Having the number two and number three first five-eights in the country pushing each other throughout the Super 14 season will be beneficial for both of their development and will be invaluable if, whisper it, Carter breaks down again.
Donald has already shown great character in his career, fending off critics and dousing doubters on almost a daily basis, but now it's crunch time - because he now has a mother of a decision that will define his career.
