One touch, one game-winner: Full circle for Donaldson as playmaker details last minute Argentina win

Tue, Sep 3, 2024, 2:44 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Ben Donaldson clinches the win in La Plata with a penalty at the full-time siren

Wallabies playmaker Ben Donaldson had one touch of the Gilbert on Sunday against Argentina.

It proved the most valuable as the replacement kicked Australia to a 20-19 victory over Los Pumas in Buenos Aires.

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Donaldson was gifted a chip shot from right in front to clinch their first win of the Rugby Championship, having minutes later replaced Noah Lolesio after the flyhalf's break to get the Wallabies inside Argentina's half.

“I think I was still shivering when I got out there so it was an interesting couple of minutes but when you come off the bench, you have a role to play," he said on the moment.

“You only get minimal touches or involvements so you need to take them as they come and I was just lucky that I got a kick and it was nice and close to the post.

“We knew the game would be over so I did my best to run the clock down and ensure the game was over.”

Donaldson's debut happened in a similar fashion, although he found himself on the other end of the ledger after missing a tougher kick to win the game against Italy in 2022.

“There’s always pressure in these big moments in Test match footy but as a kicker, you’ve thrive for those moments. I’m probably lucky I went through that moment in Italy because it’s made me grow as a player and person," Donaldson admits.

“We do a lot of work throughout the week, put ourselves in moments as kickers so when we come to the game we’re ready for it.

“Obviously I was nervous but I was ready for that moment and grateful it went over.”

The Wallabies were feeling the boost in confidence after the win in tough conditions, looking to parlay this into back-to-back wins in Argentina.

“Any win away from home is a massive one, let alone in Argentina," Donaldsona dded.

“They’re World Cup semi-finalists ranked six in the world at the moment so they’ve got a great squad and coach. To win a scrappy game in those conditions will give the boys great confidence going into this week.”

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