All Blacks coach Graham Henry embraces Stephen Donald following the victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Stephen Donald | Sir Graham Henry

Tournaments/Tours: Tri Nations

Teams: New Zealand

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New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald emerged from the long shadow of Dan Carter to steer the All Blacks to victory in their opening Tri-Nations clash against Australia.

Donald's selection as an injured Carter's understudy did not meet with blanket approval so he could be forgiven for taking refuge in the team hotel on the eve of Saturday's highly-charged clash at Eden Park. But yesterday afternoon he mooched around town with a couple of teammates, figuring they'd avoid an inquisitive public by `hiding' upstairs in a coffee shop.

"I thought we'd done well but as I was leaving I got a five minute sort of pep talk from Joe Public," said Donald, the only All Black sought out. "New Zealand's a great place for that."

There has been no shortage of advice directed the Waikato playmaker's way this season and for once it was followed by praise after his 17-point haul was instrumental in guiding the All Blacks to a morale-boosting victory. The test started inauspiciously for Donald when he missed a tackle in the lead up to Berrick Barnes' early try; his first penalty attempt also went awry.

But Donald brushed aside those setbacks to ultimately construct an assured performance in easily the toughest test of his 12 cap career. Four second half penalties gave the All Blacks the required breathing space while his tactical kicking, option taking and defence matched that of Australian counterpart Matt Giteau.

Originally in doubt after tweaking a hamstring in the second French Test on June 20, Donald was also a borderline selection given Luke McAlister's presence in the squad. But the punt paid off.

"There's been a lot of public comment on him but he showed huge desire to be there, that says something about him," assistant coach Wayne Smith said. "Stephen has proven to be a very mature person in terms of what he has done to run and direct the game. You can't do that for him."

A modest Donald was fairly low-key in the aftermath of a display that no doubt boosted his self-belief. "You always want to front up and show you've got a bit of character about you so I'm fairly happy. I'll have a beer, sit down and go `Yeah, you got through a pretty tough couple of weeks in your life'."

His poise ensured McAlister was confined to a jog and stretching routine on the sideline to keep warm, though Donald read little significance into playing the entire match.

"It was one of those games where it would be tough to bring a guy in conditions like that with 10 or 15 (minutes) to go. I'd say that probably had quite a lot to do with it," he said.

Donald was happier his hamstring allowed him to go the distance after he had some initial misgivings. "Walking round the hotel it was bit tight but when you warm up and you get into the thick of things you don't even know you're injured."

One thing Donald does realise is the critics' appraisal of his performances will be just an intense during the All Blacks two-Test assignment against South Africa starting next weekend in Bloemfontein.

It will be the first time Donald has ventured back to the high veld since the Chiefs were routed 61-17 by the Bulls in May's Super 14 final at Pretoria. Rather than dwell on that experience he was looking forward to a hard ground.

"It'll be great for the backs to have a crack out wide though knowing our luck there'll probably be a freak storm."

The All Blacks emerged unscathed from the opening Bledisloe Cup battle but two squad members have been denied the opportunity to travel to South Africa for the next leg of their campaign.

Sanzar policy dictates teams can only travel with a maximum of 28 players -- two less than the current squad. Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and wing Hosea Gear were told they were not required shortly before the All Blacks headed to South Africa early today.

The All Blacks play South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday and then travel to Durban for another clash with the world champions a week later.

New Zealand squad: Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Tamati Ellison, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche.