Zac's family off to Wales

By SHANE HURNDELL AND NZPA | 5th November 2009

Zac Guildford's mother, Deb, and aunt Robyn Guildford will be in Cardiff to watch his All Blacks debut on Sunday morning.

The 20-year-old Hawke's Bay Magpies winger has replaced the suspended Sitiveni Sivivatu in the ABs starting XV to take on Wales.

Guildford's debut is one of two major appointments for the family this weekend.

He is also a finalist in the senior sportsman category at the Ngati Kahungunu Sportsperson of the Year awards function in Waipukurau on Saturday night. He won the award in 2007 as well as the premier award and is among the favourites again.

His mother and aunt flew to Wales yesterday and will have a week in Wales then a week in Italy where the All Blacks will play on November 15.

"You only get one first game for the All Blacks and we thought it was appropriate his mother and auntie be there," said Guildford's uncle, Daren.

Zac's father, Rob, died after having a heart attack at the under-20 World Cup final in Japan in June.

"I'm still in a bit of shock. Happy can't really describe it. I can't find a word. I'm just really excited about the game," said Zac Guildford who will be represented by brother Victor, Daren and cousins Levi and Arana in Waipukurau.

Guildford's call-up and Taranaki lock Jason Eaton's first run-on test in 27 months are among six changes to the ABs starting XV from last weekend's 32-19 win against the Wallabies in Tokyo.

The other backline change sees halfback Brendon Leonard swap with Jimmy Cowan, while in the forwards one-test prop Wyatt Crockett replaces the suspended Tony Woodcock, Eaton replaces Tom Donnelly, flanker Jerome Kaino replaces Adam Thomson and Kieran Read reclaims the No 8 jersey from Rodney So'oialo.

Guildford, the star of the New Zealand Under-20 side, forced his way into the squad with a 13-try haul for Hawke's Bay in the Air NZ Cup and has continued to impress since joining the All Blacks squad.

 * The team - Page 10