Florence: Wallabies debutant Ben Donaldson was shattered after missing a match-winning conversion attempt against Italy but believes it will serve as a pivotal moment in his career.
With four minutes remaining in Florence, Donaldson replaced Noah Lolesio at No.10, with Australia chasing a six-point deficit.
When Cadeyrn Neville scored a try after the siren, all eyes were on Donaldson as he lined up a 35-metre kick, on a tricky angle, to win a Test for his country on debut.
The script had all the makings of a fairytale first game.
But sport doesn’t always follow the script. Donaldson’s kick sailed to the right, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Italian players.
Italy, at the 19th time of asking, had finally beaten the Wallabies for the first time since 1983.
Going, going, gone …. Ben Donaldson’s kick against Italy.Credit:Getty
Two weeks ago, it was Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn who missed a penalty to beat Australia.
On Saturday, Donaldson cut a dejected figure on the field before opening up to the Herald about what had just unfolded.
“I’m not [feeling] the best. Not the best result for myself or the team,” Donaldson said.
“A couple of the boys came up to me and I took a few deep breaths. You dream of that moment when you’re a young boy. Extremely disappointed with how it panned out.
“I knew I was goal-kicking when I was coming on. We practise all week. We work hard on it. I guess these things happen. Sometimes you get ’em, sometimes you don’t. I guess I’ve got to go back and work harder.
“When it came off the boot, I knew it wasn’t my best strike.”
Having teammates rush over helped ease the pain.
“It’s all a bit of a blur to be honest,” Donaldson said. “It makes it better to be honest. It’s that feeling where people care about you.
“I could be ecstatic right now but we’re sitting here extremely disappointed.”
Noah Lolesio consoles Ben Donaldson after the game.Credit:Getty
Donaldson wants to avoid dwelling on the kick, adamant he will take positives from the experience.
“I want to play many games for the Wallabies, not just this one,” he said. “That final moment is going to be pivotal in my career. I can learn from that and work hard from it.
“As disappointing as it is and shattering as it is, I can go back and work hard. If I get that moment again, hopefully I nail it and I can be here celebrating that moment.”
Donaldson’s parents and support crew, who travelled from Sydney for the third match of Australia’s five-Test tour, could have been forgiven for wondering if he would get a run as the clock wound down.
“It always happens when you’re on the bench … it gets to about 65 or 75 minutes in tight games and you think you might not be a chance.”
Ben Donaldson
At the 75-minute mark, it looked like Donaldson might not even get on the field. With matches against Ireland and Wales in the next fortnight, a debut might not have even happened this year.
“I was a bit worried,” Donaldson said. “It always happens when you’re on the bench … it gets to about 65 or 75 minutes and in tight games and you think you might not be a chance. I was extremely grateful to get on there and earn my first cap. I got a few touches which was nice as well.
“I heard my name called out in the meeting [during the week] and I was over the moon. You dream of those things when you’re a young boy and to finally hear my name in the 23 was unreal, especially next to Mark [Nawaqanitawase] as well. It’s just a great moment. To live it out was unreal.
“I texted them straight away but they were asleep back in Australia. I got on FaceTime as soon as they woke up. They were over the moon. They have been on the journey with me. They were ecstatic. They flew over with my uncle and two of my Dad’s good mates as well. They’re enjoying themselves.
Ange Capuozzo of Italy celebrates at the end of the match.Credit:Getty Images
“Mum and dad got to come in for the cap presentation. It was a bit emotional for many reasons. Obviously the result not going my way as well makes it tough to take. They’re just super proud of me. They’re over the moon for this dream I’ve had my whole life.”
Donaldson’s father, Stu, said the long journey was worth it.
“It was a great atmosphere at the ground and we enjoyed the experience despite the loss,” he said.
“Ben was absolutely gutted but obviously very proud to have made his debut. We’re all very proud of him.”
Australia’s loss to Italy, albeit with an under-strength side, was the team’s second loss from three starts on this tour. There will be no lack of motivation for the remaining matches.
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