"We played the majority of the rugby but couldn't do it. We were up against a good Havelock side. This week we've got several injury concerns but I'm sure it will be a pretty good game," Guildford explained.
In-form prop Mark Braidwood, the regular starting halfback-first five-eighth combination of Scott Mogford and Tipene Cottrell and hooker-loosie Jamie Muir are all on the unavailable list and rugged veteran lock Darren Deeley is doubtful. Veteran halfback Damon Bunce has been promoted from the reserve grade side and regular centre Tane McGuire will start in the pivot role.
A four-time world champion (once with the All Blacks and three times with national age group teams) and a Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist in 2010, Guildford, said his competitive instincts led to his decision to play in France.
"I spoke to Todd [Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder] and said I was disappointed about not getting any game time. I told him I wanted to leave and he respected my decision ... it was a mutual agreement," Guildford said.
"I'm going to France to revive my career and stay in the professional ranks. I want to go over there, play some good rugby, make the most of it and earn some good money ... I believe I played some of my best rugby for the Magpies last year."
The Napier Boys' High School product who has also played for the New Zealand Maori side and Hurricanes hasn't ruled out the possibility of ending his first class career with the Magpies. Matt Berquist and Jason Shoemark are already back on the roster after overseas stints and Karl Lowe and Sona Taumalolo are both keen to follow them.
"My heart will always be in Hawke's Bay and if I feel I'm good enough to give the Magpies a crack when I'm finished overseas I will," Guildford said.
He pointed out helping the Magpies win the Ranfurly Shield last year, the Air New Zealand Cup semifinal finishes in 2007, '08 and '09 and the 2007 win against Wellington were the highlights of his Magpies career.
"On virtually all of those occasions we were the underdogs and nobody gave us a chance," he added.
We couldn't let Guildford lace up for his final Hawke's Bay club game of the season without naming "Zac's Magpies XV," a selection of the best Magpies he has played alongside since his 2007 debut. In typical Guildford fashion he was reluctant to select himself in the No11 jersey. We did that for him ... he was too good to leave out. Here is Zac's XV:
Israel Dagg, Richard Buckman, Jason Shoemark, Andrew Horrell, Zac Guildford, Matt Berquist, Chris Eaton, George Naoupu, Karl Lowe, Michael Johnson, Bryn Evans, Mark Abbott, Clint Newland, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo.
Other fourth round games tomorrow will see unbeaten leaders Carters Frame and Truss Taradale host Northfuels Central, Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist take on MAC at Park Island, Clive host Progressive Meats Havelock North at Farndon Park and Tamatea meet IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports at Bill Mathewson Park.
