Stephen Donald-the modern day Philpott

"Stephen Donald to the Blues" the headlines have screamed these last few days.Has he or hasn't he?Confirmed reports by the Sunday Star Times then denials by the Blues franchise.

But why the fuss?

Probably because Stephen Donald is the most mis-understood All Black of the modern era.Despised by many and admired by few.He polarises opinion more than any other All Black of my generation.The modern day Shane Philpott."Shane who" I hear you say.

Shane Philpott put his All Blacks 'cap' up for auction.He was in his words "ashamed" to have been labelled an All Black.The criticism he copped during his playing days was cruel and callous,and he took it all on board and saddled himself with the burden.He believed he wasn't deserved of the jersey,so when he was presented with his 'cap' he wanted to get rid of it.Sad.Yet could we blame him?The rampant fervour and outspoken feelings we have for our beloved All Blacks can also be a dark black lonely hole if you happen to be one of the chosen few who seemingly don't deserve the honor from our 4 million All Black selectors.

And so to Stephen Donald.The man who holds the season record for the Chiefs of 133 points set in 2006.The former NZ age group rep who in 2003 played for the World Champion u21 side.He logged 45 games for Waikato and 71 games for the Chiefs(and 731 points).He was a NZ Junior All Black in 2005 and 2006 and became a fully fledged All Black in 2008,going on to play 24 games for the ABs including 22 tests,scoring a total of 113 points.

Yet,despite this impressive resume he has become the All Black no one wants.Even Blues fans were so outspoken on their feelings towards him that they petitioned the Blues board in their droves to not sign him!

Stephen Donald is a proven performer at NPC and Super rugby level and the Blues would have welcomed him with open arms as any Super franchise would.He has had his faults in the All Black jersey but he has also played soundly most of the time.Disregard his performance in Hong Kong last year,and what you have is a tough,durable playmaker with great vision and skill,who has served his Waikato,Chiefs and All Black teams well,in a position that requires brains and tactical nous let alone nerves of steel.Stephen Donald can look back on a fine rugby career,and I only hope he gets treated in the way he deserves...with dignity and with respect and he is remembered as a deserving All Black,as they all are.

It would be a sad day for Rugby fans if we have another All Black that feels they were not entitled to the jersey and their 'cap' simply because a minor section of the rugby public voiced their vitriolic criticism.


Straight Shooter-telling it like it is