Redemption: The Stephen Donald Story

Perhaps Stephen Donald got inspiration from Johnny English for this latest redemption story.

After all, both Johnny English and Stephen Donald were maligned, lampooned, had more doubters than fans. They got to where they were on default rather than talent. Yet when their country needed them at that one critical moment, they came through and delivered the result that was needed.

While Donald will continue to have his doubters about his ability and standing amongst All Black first fives, he will have gained new found respect from rugby followers in this country after nailing what ultimately proved to be the winning goal when the normally steady Piri Weepu was failing with the boot.

But that penalty goal wasn't Donald's only contribution to victory. In a game where the ABs were forced to defend heavily, Donald was solid with his tackles and even caused mayhem in the breakdowns. His kicking game was also superb and drove the French back into their territory at a time when they were hogging the ball like Mr Creosote in the French restaurant.

Now Donald heads off to England to play for another powerhouse of rugby, Bath, joining Butch James as the other Rugby World Cup first-five to play on the winning side in the Final. Donald should do pretty well there as other Kiwi first fives like Jackson, McAlister and Evans.

After all, the bug bear was that Donald was a superb Super rugby and provincial player but one who wasn't quite up to international rugby standard.

Regardless, Donald has now had the final say on his New Zealand rugby career with the medal to prove it.

Well done, Donald. Sorry I doubted you. My facebook profile will be a picture of you for a week. Meanwhile I'll be working on the screenplay for your underdog movie. I'll try and get Rosamund Pike to star - oh I'll just add a picture of her since she's so hot...