Flying Magpie could bolt into All Blacks

BY MARC HINTON

Marc Hinton picks a likely 33 for the All Blacks tour squad to be announced next Sunday, with one big bolter.

Surely there's a romantic buried somewhere beneath the grim visage of the headmaster. Surely even Graham Henry would love to add a fairytale final chapter to the remarkable and heart-wrenching year of Zac Guildford – a kid who this year has experienced all the highs and lows that rugby and life can throw at a 20-year-old.

His form – he is on course for a single-season provincial try-scoring record – cries out for his inclusion on a trip that will take in tests against the Wallabies, Wales, Italy, England and France.

But on a June afternoon in Tokyo, Guildford found out first-hand how life gives and takes away at the same time.

He scored two tries as he led the New Zealand under-20 team to a second straight world title with a 44-28 victory over England. Watching in the stands, his father Rob died of a heart attack.

After scoring a hat-trick of tries against Counties Manukau on Thursday to take his season tally to 12 (in 11 games), he opened up about how the death of his father had inspired him to reach for the sky on the rugby field.

"I made some promises to him and I intend to keep them," he told reporters after the Magpies' 54-8 romp.

"I want to wear the All Blacks jersey for him.

"At times during the Super 14, I was cruising, but since the old man has passed on I am a hell of a lot hungrier."

Henry and his fellow selectors will have noticed the wing's form, his "hunger" and his developing game. He's looking for work, he's finding ways to score. He has that try-scoring instinct.

His coach believes Guildford has earned a touring spot when the squad is unveiled next Sunday. Even if it means he'll be absent for the business end of another outstanding Magpies season.

"He's added another string to his bow where he can come off his wing now and create havoc," says Peter Russell, noting some key improvements off the back of the Super 14.

"He's always looked for work, but we're just giving him a few more options around him, coming in on short balls and cut moves and those sort of things.

"He's got a fantastic attitude, and quite a bit of arrogance about his game, on the field that is."

Russell believes it is the perfect time to bring the 20-year-old into the national mix. "The world cup's two years away, so why not have a look at him now? Experience is gained by being in the thick of it. He's mature as well, a lot more level-headed than a lot of 20-year-olds."

But is there room for a Guildford on tour? Yes, if Sitiveni Sivivatu is left behind to get his injuries right. That would leave Joe Rokocoko, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear from the contingent used this season, with room for Guildford and maybe North Harbour's Rudi Wulf, given Jane covers fullback as well.

I've presumed Henry will take 33 on tour; that he'll leave Isaac Ross behind; that Rodney So'oialo will also be given an extended period to refind his fire; and that Sivivatu likewise won't be taken after another injury-plagued year.

It's hard to know how many, if any, old hands could be "rested", but the feeling is it will be a minimal number.

A fifth prop, third hooker and the backup loose forwards are the big sticking points. I've gone in the end for the five props they used this year, but Jamie Mackintosh could yet force his way in.

Third hooker looks a straight toss-up between Corey Flynn and Hika Elliot, with the Cantab possibly getting the nod, not necessarily on form.

Without Ross, a fit-again Anthony Boric should join the trio of locks that played the last test in Wellington, and in the loose mix the big question is does Liam Messam get a chance at redemption? I'd be tempted, especially if Rodney So'oialo is spelled.

George Whitelock could shade Tanerau Latimer as the skipper's backup.

The backs should go close to picking themselves, Youngsters like Aaron Cruden, Robbie Robinson, Colin Slade and Luke Braid have been mentioned in despatches, but it could be that Guildford is the only one that's judged ready right now.

If so, somewhere up there a father will be smiling.

Possible touring squad:

Forwards: Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Neemia Tialata, John Afoa, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche, Corey Flynn, Brad Thorn, Jason Eaton, Tom Donnelly, Anthony Boric, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam.

Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina.

- © Fairfax NZ News