That's exactly my point you say he's not good enough for international football when he's had 22 test caps and only been below par in what 4-5 of those at most? Most of his test caps he did his job or did very well And people just ignore the fact that he has also played a critical role in winning a number of key test matches for the All Blacks. More important games than the first test vs. France in 2008 or Hong Kong 2010 which meant very little or almost nothing in comparison. Heck there was a time his form off the bench for the AB's was so good he was started at 12 while Nonu warmed the wood.
Heck not even Dan Carter is good in every test. He's been pretty bad in some and he's been bloody lucky not to have cost the AB's in other games. Like last year that test in SA he missed a regulation conversion which would have won the match then made a silly knock on late in the game to give SA a chance to win. AB's were lucky to get one last chance and Ma'a Nonu Broke through John Smitt to put Dagg over the line to win the game and Save carter from the headlines. Everyone knows carter is good, maybe the best ever. But people tend to ignore his mistakes.
If Donald had no capacity for test rugby then he wouldn't have got all of 22 test caps or be selected for the AB's three years in a row that's for sure.
One thing is for sure, being Dan Carters backup is the worst job in rugby. Nick Evans was the smart one, he left for the big $$$ when he had the chance. It's the poisoned chalice of NZ rugby.
Hope slade can handle it better than Evans, Donald or Cruden have.
