Rugby: Should Kiwi teams have gone for Guildford?

Zac Guildford is currently representing Hawke's Bay. Photo / Getty

If Zac Guildford is able to get back to his best with the Waratahs next year, will any Kiwi sides think of the former All Black as the one who got away?

Many pieces must fall into place before that tag is applied. First, Guildford and the Waratahs need to seal the deal, with the wing telling Radio Sport contract talks are yet to be finalised.

Then, Guildford must find form and find a place in an impressive backline, with new Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson able to call on Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper among his outside back stocks.

And finally, crucially, Guildford needs to escape the off-the-field issues that have plagued him in the past, with a city like Sydney a potential problem given the alcohol-related troubles that marred his time in New Zealand rugby.

But if that criteria is met and if Guildford can grasp the lifeline thrown toward him by Gibson - an assistant coach during Guildford's time at the Crusaders - could the 26-year-old come back to haunt any Kiwi coaches unwilling to take a punt on him?

To start with the obvious, given everything than transpired during Guildford's last stint in Super Rugby, Todd Blackadder is unlikely to be among them. Guildford seemingly burned those bridges on his way to French club Clermont, with his ability on the field unable to compensate for his transgressions outside the lines.

The Crusaders, of course, currently possess one of the competition's best wings in Nemani Nadolo. Right wing is something of a sampler - with Nafi Tuitavake, Jone Macilai-Tori, David Havili and Johnny McNicholl all enjoying opportunities - but Guildford remains persona non grata in Christchurch.

The other southern side would probably have a similar disinterest, with the Fijian combination of Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne spurring the Highlanders to the title this season. Jamie Joseph can also count on Richard Buckman, Trent Renata and Ryan Tongia to provide back-up, while the All Blacks' right wing lines up at fullback in blue and gold.

Then there's the first franchise Guildford represented and, playing Hawke's Bay in the ITM Cup, the catchment area in which he again finds himself. But the Hurricanes, for whom Guildford made 18 appearances in 2008-09, are relatively well-stocked for wings, with All Black trio Julian Savea, Cory Jane and Nehe Milner-Skudder supported by Matt Proctor and Jason Woodward.

The Blues also have plenty of options, albeit a group weakened by losing its best outside back in Charles Piutau. Melanie Nanai was a rare bright spot among a gloomy campaign, George Moala has played his way into the All Blacks frame and the returning Rene Ranger is another option. And then there's a promising young trio - Lolagi Visinia, Tevita Li and Ben Lam - all competing for places.

Which leaves the Chiefs. The Chiefs need outside back help, of that there is no doubt. Dave Rennie's record of making the Super Rugby playoffs for his four seasons in charge will be under threat as the team is currently constructed.

James Lowe, the Chiefs' best wing last season, will be back in Hamilton in 2016, but there is little else around him, save for Counties wing and wider-training group member Toni Pulu.

Where's the rest? Well, the versatile Tim Nanai-Williams is leaving for Japan, the burgeoning talents of Bryce Heem will be on display at Worcester, Hosea Gear has headed back to France, while Tom Marshall will ply his trade at Gloucester.

The Chiefs need a wing or three and Guildford, at his best, is a dynamic talent. Whether he can again reach that level - and whether the Chiefs will be left glancing enviously across the Tasman - remains to be seen.

Kiwi Super Rugby sides' 2016 wing stocks:

Blues: Melanie Nanai, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Lolagi Visinia, Ben Lam, Tevita Li
Chiefs: James Lowe, Toni Pulu
Hurricanes: Julian, Savea, Cory Jane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Matt Proctor, Jason Woodward
Crusaders: Nemani Nadolo, David Havili, Nafi Tuitavake, Jone Macilai-Tori, Johnny McNicholl
Highlanders: Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Richard Buckman, Trent Renata, Ryan Tongia