New Zealand Rugby
Donald stunned at movie in his honour
February 16, 2013
New Zealand's Graham Henry and Stephen Donald share a joke, Hagley Park, Cristchurch, New Zealand, October 25, 2011
Stephen Donald was famously whitebaiting when contacted by coach Graham Henry to play in Rugby World Cup 2011. © Getty Images
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Former All Black Stephen Donald has expressed surprise his heroic deeds at the 2011 Rugby World Cup are set to become the subject of a television movie.

Government broadcast funding agency New Zealand on Air is considering funding the movie about Donald, who came on to kick the winning goal for New Zealand in the 2011 final at Eden Park.

Donald wasn't named in the All Blacks squad for the tournament but a series of injuries to five-eighths Daniel Carter, Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden resulted in Donald's call-up.

He was famously whitebaiting on the Waikato River when contacted by coach Graham Henry.

Donald came on late in the first half of the decider wearing an ill-fitting jersey for his only Test appearance of the year.

His successful penalty shot in the second half helped New Zealand to an 8-7 win over France and was the perfect riposte to a legion of critics who were convinced the Waikato No.10 wasn't good enough to wear the All Blacks jersey.

Donald, who signed to play for English club Bath after the World Cup, said he was stunned when movie makers contacted him to propose the concept.

"It's a little bit bizarre," he told Radio Sport. "At the start I thought it was a bit outrageous but I guess it's easier to do that than a book. I guess it's something I'll always be able to have."

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old injured his hip in a Premiership match for Bath against London Irish and he expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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