"The contact point is going to be very important to the way we want to play and that is an expertise of mine, so it is a big responsibility," Donnie said in The Times.
At only 5ft 8in, Donnie differs from the modern stereotypical back row of 6ft-plus monsters that the likes of South Africa wheel off their production line. He thinks that is an advantage: "I am closer to the ground so it is easier to get down and win the ball," he added.
"I look on my height as an advantage. You are there to win the ball and the closer you are to the ground the harder it is for them to clear you off it because you are so low."
After being out of the game for 15 months with knee ligament damage, Donnie has only been back playing for two months. His last international was against South Africa on their tour to Europe in November 2004.
"It is a great feeling," he said. "I knew that I was being given a chance last week against the Barbarians and I am delighted that I took it."