Project Donald took a big step forward on Saturday night with a ringing recommendation by the teacher, although the man himself is a little more reserved.
All Black first five-eighth Stephen Donald was the man under the microscope on Saturday night, after a couple of indifferent performances and a surprise selection midweek, not to mention a nagging hamstring.
But All Black backs coach Wayne Smith gave Donald a big pass mark, saying he had showed maturity in how he had learned to run the game.
"He's got to do that. We as coaches can help him so much but he's got to go out there and play the game," Smith said.
"I think the thing is, he had no right with the injury he had to be in consideration for this game. But he showed huge desire to be there. He was under a lot of pressure and there has been a lot of public comment about his performance. But he wanted to be out there."
Donald felt the hamstring injury got better the more he played.
"When I got up this morning and was walking around the hotel I thought it was a bit tight. But as you start to warm up and get into the thick of things you don't really feel it," he said.
Donald said his game on Saturday night was not perfect but was a platform to work from.
He did not take much notice of what was said about him over the past couple of weeks, but tried to stay positive, and always look forward.
"I guess later on I will reflect that I got through a pretty tough couple of weeks in my life, and hopefully onward and upward now."
He was pleased with his goalkicking and his composure under pressure.
"If you are not getting nervous in one of these games then you must be dead. This is big-time footy. You are always going to be nervous. I think it is about controlling those nerves, and trying to stay as relaxed as I can and not get caught up in it all."
Donald said he relaxed on Saturday before the match by going for a walk and watching the world go by, although he said a tip from a member of the public to play his natural game was welcomed.
"That is what makes New Zealand a great place."
The team did not want to travel to Africa after a loss.
"We are far from where we want to be but we are 1-0 up."
