Guildford’s ‘one shot’

25 Jun 2010

Zac Guildford believes he has to impress Graham Henry when he starts against Wales in his fourth Test for the All Blacks.

With the All Blacks’ backline ranks filled by the likes of Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko and Israel Dagg, Guildford was dropped from the match 22 for the first Test against Wales last weekend. However, he was one of seven changes to the side who beat the visitors 42-9 last weekend and will have his opportunity to contest for a starting place when he runs out in Hamilton on Saturday.

‘It’s huge for me,’ Guildford told stuff.co.nz. ‘I haven’t really been given an opportunity at this level yet, I’ve seen the Maori boys (Hosea Gear and Sean Maitland) going out there and playing well, and the All Black boys, Joe Roks and Cory Jane the last few weeks.

‘Now it’s my turn and I get one shot at it against Wales. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on the ball and having a busy game.’

Guildford refused to be limited to sitting in the stands last Saturday as he was hungry for game time. This saw him turn out for Tom Donnelly’s Otago-based club Matakanui.

‘It was really interesting,’ Guildford said of first appearance for the club. ‘I played a bit of midfield which is somewhere I haven’t played since high school, and I came off the field all muddy, with a few ruck marks and everyone trying to smash you, so was good fun.

‘I just love playing footy, and I thought better than sitting on my bum I’d get out there and have a game for Matakanui.’

Guildford added that he now wants to improve his performances for the All Blacks since making his debut against Wales last year.

‘All the boys running round are playing well, there’s huge competition so I’ve got to have a good one. I just want to build on what I did last year, and maybe even raise the bar higher. I haven’t scored a test try and I want to get a couple of those.’


5 Comments

  • 1.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Jun 2010, 07:00 am

    pressurised dragon!

  • 2.Cheetah Champs: Reply to this comment
    25 Jun 2010, 08:53 am

    I really like this kid ! I think he is such a great talent, but sadly for him he lives in the country with the most wing depth on earth !! Between Cory Jane, Rokocokko, Sivivatu, Ben Smith – not to mention guys like Lelia Masaga, Shaun Maitlaind, Rene Ranger and Hosea Gear the AB’s have wings coming out their bums….

    If Guilford was playnig anywhere else in the world, he would be starting most tests…..(similar to SA loose forward glut that we have).

  • 3.Brigadier Van Zyl: Reply to this comment
    25 Jun 2010, 11:09 am

    good player this oke.

  • 4.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    25 Jun 2010, 11:52 am

    He’ll do well, this Welsh side is depleted to hell

  • 5.Staal: Reply to this comment
    28 Jun 2010, 12:31 pm

    Wat gaat hier aan? different text color normal text color different background color

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