They may be two of the more inexperienced halves heading to the World Cup but Ben Donaldson believes he can form a formidable partnership with Carter Gordon as they look to take the Wallabies deep into the tournament.
The duo are the only players with flyhalf experience at Super or Test level in Eddie Jones' 33-player squad, with a combined three starts for the Wallabies.
Catch every game of the Rugby World Cup LIVE on Stan Sport. Start watching Stan Sport now.
Donaldson, who is included as a utility, has split his time between flyhalf and fullback during his time with the Waratahs and Wallabies.
However, with Quade Cooper's shock omission from the squad, the 24-year-old is ready to step into a greater role at September's World Cup after not being used during the Rugby Championship.
“It’s a good quality to have, especially in a World Cup year," Donaldson told reporters. “I’ve just been really focusing on wherever that may be at training and just really trying to help the team in those two positions where I can.
“It’s just me and Carter now as the two tens now. I had a good sit down with Eddie yesterday around that and he’s sad I’ll be mainly training at ten.
“I'll just be working with Carter. working with the coaches to really put our best foot forward and drive the team around.
"We’re both young but we're both very confident in our position and we feel like we can do a good job.”
Donaldson has impressed coach Jones at training, singled out for praise before the Bledisloe Test.
The incoming Force playmaker concedes he wasn't pleased with his form to start the season, believing he has grown during his extended time in the Wallabies camp.
“In that very first camp, I hadn't really played to the potential that I wanted to,” he admitted.
“I knew I had more in me…we've been with the squad now for six weeks, and I feel like I've been training really well even though I haven't played yet. I feel like I've been making good strides and I've been getting some good feedback from the coaches.
“There's still that bit of uncertainty coming into a new squad into a World Cup but that confidence is always there and the belief
“I’m just extremely grateful and stoked to be picked and a part of it now.”
