Zac Guildford could excused if he offers his Crusaders teammate Israel Dagg a tame "all the best" in the buildup to tonight's Super Rugby opener.
After all, Dagg is starting in Guildford's position on the left wing in the clash with the Blues at Auckland's Eden Park. There's a chanceDagg and Tom Marshall, who is starting in Dagg's regular fullback spot, could make it difficult for Guildford to get a start when he returns from suspension next week.
"It's all good ... I passed on my best wishes to Izzy and the entire team at our final training. I must admit I'm getting itchy feet with all the training and no games," Guildford said.
His four week suspension imposed by the NZRU following last November's drunken behaviour in the Cook Islands ends after tonight's match. He is hoping to play next week against the Highlanders in Dunedin, and he certainly wants to be in the Crusaders starting line-up when they take on the Chiefs at his home ground of McLean Park on March 9.
"It was an awesome occasion when we played the Chiefs at McLean Park last year. I'm sure the fans will fill the park and get behind us again."
He said the Crusaders had trained well this week and he was confident they will gain revenge for a 24-22 loss to the Blues last year. Guildford believed Dagg on the left wing and Marshall at fullback was the best fit for the Crusaders in his absence.
"Izzy's best position is fullback but he also does well on the wing ... they're similar positions."
