Stephen Donald looking wider

LAWRENCE SMITH

STEPHEN DONALD: Under no illusions.

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All Blacks reserve Stephen Donald says he's coming round to the idea of morphing into a second five.

Donald suffered this season at first-five from being compared with arguably the world's best player in team-mate Dan Carter.

And with Carter back, Donald's chances of any game time in the All Blacks No10 jersey are limited, especially as the selectors turn their attention to Mike Delany as their alternative.

It's no surprise that Donald, who showed huge character earlier in the year despite plenty of criticism, has taken the situation in his stride after arriving in London today.

"With three first fives coming over I was under no illusions there would be times I didn't get game time," the Waikato and Chiefs player said.

"It's part and parcel. I can't really complain too much. I've had a pretty good crack at it over the Tri-Nations and that's more than you could ask for and dream for."

Well nearly. Donald still has his sights set on the test side, but confirmed he was preparing for a change of roles.

He said he had been told by coaches Steve Hansen and Graham Henry to look at honing skills required for the No12 position.

"Moving forward with Mike [Delany] at the Chiefs as well, who knows. I could end up playing a bit of time there.

"It's certainly different to 10, so I will have to spend some time in the saddle so to speak and learn it, but yeah, it's an enjoyable role.

"You have a bit more time one out and I'm probably suited to it in a lot of ways. If you are on the park you're playing so it's something I don't mind."

With Carter injured, Donald started the All Blacks' first five tests this season with mixed results.

And while his sole appearance at second-five, against South Africa in Hamilton, was not a success, he has the size, running game and vision to excel in the midfield.

Donald probably won't be able to put the pivot's role to the back of his mind till the end of the current tour.

His experience and versatility are likely to keep him in the test 22 for coming tests against England and France.

"I come on at times at 10 and 12 and just hope to make a difference and make an impact," he said.

"It's a role I've come to appreciate and how to do it well and enjoy it." The All Blacks arrived in London injury-free, bar wing Ben Smith's sore thumb. Smith had X-rays on the thumb yesterday after receiving a knock early in the test against Italy.

Assistant coach Hansen said the selectors were still mulling over the team to play England, but indicated a return to the more experienced test players.

- © Fairfax NZ News