From unwanted to unstoppable: How Donaldson is playing his way back into the Wallabies
Ben Donaldson has revived his Wallabies prospects with strong performances for the Force, highlighted by a key role in their first win in Sydney in five years. Once overlooked for national selection due to defensive concerns, he is now making a case for recall through consistent attacking play and goal-kicking accuracy. His 85% goal-kicking success rate and dynamic playmaking have drawn attention from Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
- ▪Ben Donaldson was not selected for the Wallabies' end-of-season European tour despite being fit, with less experienced Hamish Stewart chosen as backup fly-half.
- ▪Donaldson has an 85% goal-kicking success rate this Super Rugby season, outperforming peers like Tane Edmed and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
- ▪His defensive record remains a concern, with a 64% tackle success rate compared to Carter Gordon's 85%.
- ▪Donaldson contributed 50 metres gained, two line breaks, and three defenders beaten in the Force's win over the Waratahs.
- ▪His last Wallabies appearance was in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions in August 2025, where he kicked two conversions off the bench.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.