Rugby: Guildford close to coming full circle

Zac Guildford missed the initial All Blacks training squad but was brought in by Steve Hansen following the injury to Chiefs player Richard Kahui. Photo / Getty Images.

For Zac Guildford to even be considering playing a part in Saturday's first test against Ireland shows how far he has come in the past six months.

From the depths of the aftermath of his drunken activities in Rarotonga following the World Cup to being on the brink of playing for the All Blacks in their first outing as world champions is a testament to the hard work he has put in, along with that of his coaches and mentors.

With his first squad selection as All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen has proven that form isn't a prerequisite for him - witness the choice of Piri Weepu as senior halfback ahead of Andy Ellis as evidence of that - so Guildford must have wondered how much of a future he had in the black jersey after his indiscretions last year which reached a head on the Cook Islands.

As it is, he has played well for the Crusaders on the left wing, his resurgence in form coming following a shift in gear from the red and blacks. Guildford has scored three tries in the past two games - 50-point victories over the Blues and Highlanders - and his combination with Crusaders and All Blacks first-five Dan Carter, in particular, seems to be working well.

Christchurch rugby people say Guildford is back to his best off the pitch too, with All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, who also works with the Crusaders, responsible for many of the improvements.

Guildford missed the initial training squad but was brought in by Hansen following the injury to Chiefs player Richard Kahui, who is likely to have played on one wing. Hurricanes wing Cory Jane, who is now also injured, would have played on the other.

With Hansen hinting that Julian Savea could make his debut in his specialist left wing position at Eden Park, Guildford is leading the pack for the relatively unfamiliar position on the right. The other contenders are another left wing specialist Hosea Gear, or fullback/utility Ben Smith. All will be revealed tomorrow (Thurs) morning.

Guildford's last game for the All Blacks was in the World Cup against Canada in Wellington, a match in which he scored four tries. Now he is hoping to add to his test and try tally against the Irish, saying the form of his franchise had given him a boost.

"It is nice," he said. "As a whole we've played pretty well for the past few games and I'd just like to keep that momentum building individually if I do get a chance."

The All Blacks are expecting a direct approach from Ireland, although a forwards-based onslaught will be severely hindered by the absence of tighthead prop Mike Ross who has a hamstring strain. Ireland are already without veteran Munster lock Paul O'Connell, who didn't make the trip.

Guildford, who has played eight tests and took the field against Ireland as a replacement in the All Blacks' big win in New Plymouth two years ago, said he was also expecting an aerial bombardment.

"By the looks of things they've got a pretty dangerous back three and their midfield has played a lot together. From what I can see they like to put a bit of snow on the ball so we'll be tested with those contestables [kicks].

"We need to come in hot in the first game and from there we can build. It's a pretty exciting time for us."

Reflecting on his inclusion in the All Blacks after being brought into the squad almost three weeks ago, Guildford said he was confident it would come.

"I knew if I worked hard and kept out of trouble and did the right things on the field then eventually it would come but I'm very grateful to get the opportunity again," he said.

The next phase, taking the field again, is not far away.