Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson is eager to test himself against Australia's best playmakers as he prepares for a matchup with the Reds and James O'Connor on Friday at Leichhardt Oval.
Donaldson was one of the standout performers during their 40-10 victory over the Fijian Drua, ensuring the Waratahs were the only club to record a winning bonus point.
It continues his meteoric rise over the past 12 months, excelling ever since he was thrust into the starting job against the Force last April, with the 22-year-old starting to feel confident in the role.
“I think I’m definitely more comfortable now,” he explained to reporters.
“As a ten, you can only improve by getting minutes on the field. The past few years coming off the bench and a few starts here and there, it’s pretty hard to improve when you don’t get consistent minutes.
“Starting a few games last year and this year, playing 60+ minutes gives me so much confidence, building combinations with those guys inside and outside. For game management, you need those minutes to improve so I think that’s been a massive thing for me.”
Donaldson and the Waratahs will face a litmus test when they welcome the defending Super Rugby AU champions to Leichhardt, with both teams top of the table after the first round.
It also pits the young half against Wallaby James O'Connor, whose looking to cement his own position after injuries derailed the second-half of the 2021 season.
Donaldson understands a strong showing against the Super Rugby AU MVP puts him firmly on the Wallabies radar, eager to 'earn his respect.'
"It's exciting, I obviously love testing myself against these guys who have been in the Wallabies setup for a while now," he admits.
"And like you said, play a few good games and you never know what might happen, the goal is to make the Wallabies squad.
“Especially coming up against James (O’Connor) this weekend, he's a class player, so it's a bit more for me to try and earn his respect. If I can play a good game, I can earn his respect and then the (Wallabies) coaches as well.
“It's more exciting than anything, try to have a good game, prepare well, nothing really changes and then hopefully I play some good footy."
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