Injury blow for Donald

New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald is facing up to four months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a torn chest muscle.

Donald, who has won 19 Test caps in his favoured number 10 jersey and at inside centre, suffered the injury playing club rugby in Hamilton at the weekend.

It caps a difficult year for Donald, who has seen himself fall behind Hurricanes’ team-mate Aaron Cruden in the pecking order at both Super 14 and Test level.

The injury has ruled the 26-year-old out of New Zealand’s June Tests against Ireland and Wales and their Tri Nations campaign, although All Blacks coach Graham Henry revealed he would have selected Manawatu youngster Cruden in his squad regardless of the injury suffered by Donald.

Donald he will also miss Waikato’s ITM Cup season and will instead have to look to make his return in time for next year’s Super 15.

Donald, who has proved an able deputy for superstar Dan Carter when called upon, could be fit for New Zealand’s end-of-year tour of Britain and Ireland, but would be unlikely to be selected without a chance to prove his form and fitness.