The moment that had a nation holding their breath is set for the small screen, with a television movie based on Stephen Donald’s World Cup clinching kicked approved for NZ On Air funding.
It was revealed in February that NZ On Air were considering funding the project, which will be produced by Great Southern Television.
Donald became a cult figure in New Zealand after he was called up to the All Blacks as the fourth-string No 10 for the World Cup final.
His previously poor efforts in the black jersey meant a collective groan was heard around New Zealand when he came on in the final for an injured Aaron Cruden.
Those groans soon turned to cheers though when the Waikato man in the ill-fitting jersey nailed a penalty to see the All Blacks home 8-7 over France.
NZ On Air has put up $2.7m for The Kick, which will be broadcast on TV One in the Sunday Theatre slot.
“The kick is really just part of the story – it’s a much bigger story. It’s a story of how we examine sportsmen,” producer Philip Smith told the New Zealand
