The lightest man in the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup squad was considered fortunate to get the nod ahead of Hosea Gear and Sitivini Sivivatu. It's fair to say Zac Guildford didn't seize the chance to reassure the selectors and an anxious public in the Tri-Nations decider a fortnight ago.
But Graham Henry will hope for the sort of form Guildford showed in his first six tests, rather than a repeat of the flustered display in Brisbane.
His career has long seemed gilt-edged. He was a star of the New Zealand Secondary Schools, the Under-19s and (for two seasons) the New Zealand Under-20s, winning the Junior World Championships in 2008 and 2009. He also won gold with the New Zealand sevens team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The leading try-scorer in the 2009 NPC, Guildford featured on the end-of-year tour and played in two early season tests in 2010. But Guildford was dropped as Graham Henry considered other wing options.
He came into the All Black season in good form, after returning from injury late in the Crusaders' campaign. But he looked off the pace and out of his depth in the Tri-Nations decider.
Like many modern wingers, Guildford's skills in a kicking duel and safety under the high ball are greatly valued. Ball in hand and with space in front of him, Guildford is a genuine speedster and will rarely be beaten for pace, but he is unlikely to see game time in the big matches.
Position: Winger Tests: 7 Born: February 8, 1989, in Masterton Stats: 1.84m, 87kg
