2011 World Cup hero Stephen Donald made his return to New Zealand rugby for Waikato as they beat Southland 30-25 in Hamilton on Thursday night.
Stephen Donald hadn't played here since 2011 Photo: Photosport
Donald, who kicked the winning penalty in the World Cup final four years ago, was a second-half substitute for Waikato, while fellow first five Damian McKenzie kicked six from six, scoring 15 points for the hosts.
Young Waikato star Damian McKenzie Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Both teams scored three tries, but it was Southland who finished stronger. Down 27-11 with 20 minutes to go, the Stags scored two tries to close to within two points. But McKenzie's final late penalty made it a five-point margin in the end.