Leon MacDonald

In a 56-test stint with the All Blacks in 2000-2008 Leon MacDonald distinguished himself with his versatility, his considerable competence and above all his courage. Indeed, it might be argued that often he was a little too fearless for his own good. For MacDonald’s career was constantly interrupted with injuries and took so many severe head knocks there were genuine worries his playing days could end prematurely.

But he overcame all of his setbacks and, when he departed New Zealand rugby after the 2009 Super 14 to take up his second contract in Japan, there was widespread regret. At least, he bowed out on a high note for during the 2009 Super 14 he had been the Crusaders most reliable back, inspiring a largely inexperienced squad from fullback. With all of the side’s points from four penalty goals and a dropped goal, for a narrow win over the Blues, MacDonald was primarily responsible for the Crusaders scrambling through to the play-offs.

Most of MacDonald’s early rugby had been as a first five-eighths or midfield back, but the presence of so many fine players in those positions in Canterbury, including the great Andrew Mehrtens, meant dropping back to fullback.

In subsequent seasons MacDonald occasionally appeared at first five or in the midfield, notably at the 2003 World Cup when he was used mainly at centre, but fullback was to be where he excelled. He made his first All Black appearances in 2000, coming off the bench to replace then incumbent No 15, Christian Cullen in four internationals. In 2001, with Cullen affected by a knee injury, he had his first test start and from then on, despite the competition of Cullen, Jeff Wilson and in more latter years, Mils Muliaina, he was a regular All Black selection.

In his 56 tests MacDonald tallied 146 points, 75 of which came from 15 tries and 71 from the boot. In his total first class career of 266 first class games MacDonald totalled 631 points, which included 390 from 78 tries.