Eddie Jones clearly doesn’t get it, and he won’t be the only one, after one of his 2023 project youth players had an instant impact at the World Cup.
After Ben Donaldson’s 25-point man of the match performance in the 35-15 win over Georgia in pool C, Jones was asked what he saw in the young fullback to have backed him from his very first camp of the year – and why the Waratahs have let him go.
Jones gave little away but mischievously repeated his thoughts from last week that Donno’s Randwick pedigree played a role.
“That he comes from Randwick mate, so he’s got a head start. I’m trying to pick other Randwick players but I can’t find them,” Jones joked.
“I think he’s a really, really good rugby player. I think he makes good decisions, he’s got a reasonably high level of decision making. And he’s got a pretty sound game at 10 or 15 in terms of his kicking.”
Donaldson acknowledges his Super Rugby form made it fortunate that Eddie picked him. Even though he was involved in Wallabies camps, the Waratahs made a call and allowed him to go to Western Force.
“I’m not sure what the Waratahs didn’t see in him, but that’s their business not mine,” Jones said.
“He trained the whole rugby championship at 15 because we had Quade and Carter training at ten so we knew what he was capable of.
“We felt in a game like that, where there’s going to be a lot of kicking because Georgia, play very similar to France, they’re a long kicking team. His long kick was invaluable. He’s a very good decision maker. And then his goal kicking was first class.”
Ben Donaldson of Australia celebrates following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Georgia at Stade de France on September 09, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Jones has made tough call after tough call this season. Some might yet come back to haunt him – Carter Gordon seems to be still learning the gig at this level – but others, such as his faith in Will Skelton as leader, and bringing in Donaldson for Andrew Kellaway, have made a positive impact.
If it weren’t for Gordon’s kicking issues against France two weeks ago, Donaldson may not have had his chance to shine on the biggest stage.
Asked what impact Jones has had on him, Donaldson replied: “I didn’t have the best year in Super but to get the backing of him from the get go … he’s a world class coach so whenever he picks you in a squad, you feel like you’re doing something right.
“Just to have his backing meant the world to me and I worked even harder to put the faith back in him. And I’m just glad that we could put a performance out there tonight for him.”
Donaldson’s end to 2022 was bittersweet. He made his Wallabies debut but a missed kick late against Italy meant a narrow loss rather than a narrow victory. Who knows if that miss didn’t end up being the moment Dave Rennie was doomed as Wallabies coach?
“You can put your head down and dwell on it for a long time,” said Donaldson. “But I just took it as a learning curve. All goal kickers aren’t going to kick goals every time. I just went back and looked at it, kept working hard and probably worked harder .I was pretty pleased to slot some tonight.”
Ben Donaldson scores a try. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
No Wallabies fans needs reminding that the team was 0-5 this year. Was it sense of relief to break the duck?
“More so excitement,” Donaldson said. “We know we’re good enough to win any game we play, but we’re really excited.
“When you play a game like that, with a crowd like that, in a World Cup, it definitely gives you a big confidence boost.
“When you’re training with a squad like this, you’re always working so hard and getting the backing of the players and the coaches you’re always confident in yourself. It’s pleasing to come out and perform like that but more pleasing to get a result with the team after the past couple of games.”
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Not sure what the lol is for. Waratahs starting 3 are DP, MW and MJ. We have two tens, so everyone is better off with BD at the Force. RA should not be going overboard with drafting players to states, but they need to stop SR teams warehousing talent. We do not have the depth.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
BD hasn't really achieved anything either, but both have proved they have a lot more to offer than we saw in Super Rugby this year. I just moved them off my WTF? list. Good game from Ben, took his chances, kicked his goals. Was not put under pressure though.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
yep Paul D there are plenty of small players who have gone on to star at international level. But they all had incredible speed and agility that Harrison just doesn't have. Best he will be is a solid Super Rugby player
Hunters
Roar Rookie
Still not convinced on Suli. He can definitely finish well and seems to have a sense for laying the ball back when tackled. Don’t think his defensive reads are great but he’s not the only one like that in our back line. Against a top team I’d be more confident with Kellaway as a sub if he’s not starting. However I think Eddie wants to back himself and his decision to bring Suli into the team. I’d play Kellaway against Fiji and Wales. Suli against Portugal. Give Suli another chance to prove he’s up to it and get some game time in case we need him later because of injury.
Rolando
Roar Rookie
Criag Coleman's weakness has been in selections. Especially in regard to 5/8ths he seems to lack intuition or ability to pick and stick. Harrison, Edmed and Donaldson seems to have presented too many choices!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Cdd, Jones is extremely competent, with one of the worlds greatest rugby IQs. But ‘class’? You don’t watch his press conferences then. He’s no statesman, maaate.
Rugbytrylover
Roar Rookie
I agree Cec. The Wallabies need to keep improving from here, especially the next two games as the opponents are of a better standard. I personally think with regard to Donaldson, he was hampered by an overrated coach at the Tahs, who persisted with a poor game plan. Donaldson is better off out of there. Did look good against Georgia, but he needs to produce more games like that if given another opportunity.
Rugbytrylover
Roar Rookie
“ EJ is making it happen and seeing things others have not”…… funny that! A professional rugby coach of many years, over some mug punter on the Roar knowing better. Oh yeah. I must have drunk the ‘Eddie coolaid’ !
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Calling it like it is. Rubbish comment is rubbish.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Giteau had a pretty decent Rugby career for a guy exactly the same size as Harrison. He’ll come good in time. He’s a tough bigger who plays flat with a great left boot. Looking forward to him being fit.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Georgia was the perfect game for him then. Less pressure.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Cause it's Georgia :laughing: Low penalty count included. You people..
Guess
Roar Rookie
Ok hater
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Yes. Did you blink?
Guess
Roar Rookie
Really?
Shaka
Roar Rookie
— COMMENT DELETED —
Guess
Roar Rookie
What? His kicking passing speed and game reading was the best
Guess
Roar Rookie
2 years
Guess
Roar Rookie
Nah it's because they got Bowen. I think dc gonna make him first choice. Which sucks. Not because Bowen is bad. So hope Harrison will get back on track
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
That prime was about 3 months long.