6 Dec 2009

Donald says it's been a great year

3:01 pm on 6 December 2009

All Black first-five Stephen Donald says he's had the best year possible, despite being used as somewhat of a fill-in man in 2009.

Donald started five of the first six Tests of the season when Dan Carter was injured, but since then has been restricted to warming the bench.

He made his first start of the end-of-year-tour in the final match loss to the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday morning.

Donald, who is also under pressure at the Chiefs from Mike Delany, says it's been a great year so far.

He says the Chiefs' Super 14 campaign was fantastic and he appreciates any time he gets on the field with the All Blacks.