Long path back for scrum-half

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 56

Long path back for scrum-half

By

JOHN COFFEY

In sporting terms, the Bay of Plenty rugby league scrum-half, Glenn Donaldson, can be said to have made the greatest comeback since Lazarus. Donaldson’s career seemed over after a tragically short stint in a Kiwi jersey three years ago.

With the test incumbent, Clayton Friend, injured, Donaldson and the then Auckland half, Gary Freeman, were chosen for the 1986 tour to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Any/ hope Donaldson had of challenging for the test position went a few

minutes into his debut at Newcastle. Donaldson, the first Kiwi from his province since Phil Orchard 15 years earlier, was carried from the field with a crippling knee injury.

He has played little football since then. After surgery, Donaldson lasted only three club games before his knee collapsed under him. More surgery early in 1987 preceded 12 months rest.

But his patience was not rewarded. Donaldson’s 1988 season consisted of just four more notches and two more operations. This time up Donaldson

is understandably taking one game at a time. His provincial selectors were sufficiently impressed with his fitness and form to recall him for last Sunday’s home .'fixture against Wellington after adding him to the reserves when Bay of Plenty met Auckland. Donaldson has retained the scrum-half role for Friday evening’s encounter with Canterbury at the Addington Show Grounds, pitting him against a former Bay representative, Justin Wallace. Also in the Bay backline are the Kiwi wing and fullback, Gary Mer- ,

cer, and Russell Stewart, who has spent the last two British seasons playing for Bradford Northern alongside Mercer.

The Canterbury coach, Frank Endacott, must feel he is standing by a revolving door, so many of his representatives have come and gone this winter.

Two forwards Gary Leek and Logan Edwards, have recovered from leg problems, and replaced Glenn Grut (a reserve) and Mark Frame.

But injuries have forced the withdrawals of Neville Woodham and Paul Dunn. Their places have been

taken by Wallace and Shane Hand, who is to make his first-class debut. In a fifth change Darryl Henare is back on a wing ahead of Willie Naoupu. The other reserve back, Shane Te Huia, is also new to the Canterbury A team. the Canterbury team is: Shand Hand; Darryl Henare, Mike Dorreen, Andrew Vincent, Whetu Taewa; Carl Hall, Justin Wallace; Russell Tuuta, Michael Crawford, Moko Rangiaho; John Green (captain), Gary Leek; Logan Edwards. Reserves: Shane TeZHuia, Glenn Grut, Willie Naoupu, Ron Simanu.