Rugby: Donald laughs off beer-throwing incident

Stephen Donald led the Chiefs home against the Sharks thing morning, kicking two crucial goals in the final three minutes. Photo / Getty Images

As if the pelting rain wasn't enough, matchwinning Chiefs first five-eighth Stephen Donald had to contend with a jug of beer hurled from the crowd as he lined up a crucial late conversion against the Sharks in Durban this morning (NZT).

The incident occurred as Donald was lining up Jackson Willison's try - the only one of the Chiefs' 19-18 win - with three minutes remaining to put his team 16-15 in front. The All Blacks No 10 was disturbed by the missile, which landed close to him and New Zealand referee Keith Brown.

However, he kept his cool to slot the crucial kick, 10m in from the left touchline in soaking conditions.

"It's the first time things have gone a little bit pear-shaped for me so far as kicking and the crowd starting to lose the plot," Donald said.

"It (the jug) got close but I had a pretty big tee boy today in (teammate) Sione Lauaki so I felt pretty safe."

The crowd were incensed by the number of penalties awarded against the Sharks late in the game and Donald suspected the alcohol-laden missile wasn't intended for him.

"I don't know what their problem was. I think it was supposed to hit the referee more than me."

The Sharks bounced straight back with a penalty goal to reclaim the lead but Donald had the final say in a roller-coaster finish by slotting a winning penalty goal from an easier position after the hooter.

"It's what you do the hard yards for, you sort of live for those moments," he said.

"I didn't kick well early so it was good to come back and put a couple of key ones over for the boys.

"We haven't tasted success in round one for about six years so we're very proud of today."

The Chiefs were missing resting fullback Mils Muliaina and his stand-in captain Lauaki with injury while winger Dwayne Sweeney went down with a fever yesterday and was replaced in impressive style by Counties Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams in the unfamiliar No 14 jersey.

Second five-eighth Callum Bruce and winger Lelia Masaga were also unavailable with injury.

"It's one we're pretty proud of. Sharks at home is a tough prospect if you came here at full strength. There are a few guys at home and a few guys in their hotel rooms because they're crook in their beds," Donald said.

- NZPA