Autumn Tests - Wales v New Zealand
Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Saturday, 7 November Kick-off: 1715 GMT Coverage: Exclusively live on BBC TWO Wales and online, full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online

Zac Guildford is an under-21 World Cup winner with New Zealand

Zac Guildford's debut will be poignant for the New Zealand rookie as he remembers his biggest inspiration.

The wing is still coming to terms with the death of his father who died after watching his son inspire New Zealand to an under-20 championship win in June.

Robert Guildford had a heart attack in the stand after Zac scored twice in their 44-28 final victory over England.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "It was a tough very situation for Zac but he has handled it exceptionally well."

Guildford sr, a former professional rugby player with Wairarapa Bush and a Hawke's Bay and Hurricanes representative, died in a Tokyo hospital after attempts to resuscitate him at the ground failed.

The 20-year-old had been one of the stars of the championship as New Zealand claimed their second under-20 world title but his celebrations quickly turned to sadness.

"I was a little bit lost for a month or two," Guildford admitted to BBC Wales' Scrum V Radio show.

"But once I got my goals set I used it as motivation to play good footy and and I'm enjoying it more than I ever have."

So the Crusaders youngster will spare a thought for his dad when he pulls on the famous All Black jersey for the first time on Saturday.

And Kiwi chief Henry is sure that the man known a 'Baby G' will impress on his international bow as a lasting tribute to his father.

Zac is a mature young man and hopefully he will play well on the weekend All Blacks coach Graham Henry

"He has had a difficult time," Henry told BBC Sport.

"But he uses that situation as a motivating factor for trying to repay his father for what he did for him.

"Zac is a mature young man and hopefully he will play well on the weekend."

Guildford won an All Blacks call after his impressive try-scoring displays for provincial state side Hawkes Bay in the Air New Zealand Cup.

He has also showcased his potential at Super 14 level for the Wellington-based franchise Hurricanes before his recent switch the Crusaders of Christchurch.

Now his New Zealand debut will be a family affair as his proud mum Debbie caught the first flight out to Wales once she heard her son would be making his senior All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Although Guildford was one of the chosen 33 New Zealanders to tour Europe, he was a little surprised to win a start so early on.

But was awarded his chance to shine on the biggest stage when Sitiveni Sivivatu was suspended for a week after being cited for committing a dangerous tackle on Adam Ashley-Cooper in their 32-19 Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Tokyo on Saturday.

"The call was a shock at first," said Guildford.

"I was hoping when Sivivatu was out and I'm delighted to get my chance. My mum is on her way over so she is looking forward to the game."

Guildford is one of six changes to Henry's side but the coach was quick to point out that the new faces are "no disrespect" to a Wales team that have not beaten New Zealand in 56 years.

606: DEBATE Guildford should be okay as he has marked Halfpenny at every level in age group rugby so will know what to expect kiwi1979

"Zac is a young guy that has come through the age group sides," said Henry.

"He is a talented footballer and young players must be given an opportunity at this level to see he can play good rugby and be a consistent player on the international stage."

Yet while Guildford will be new to rugby fans in Europe, his opposite number Leigh Halfpenny knows all about the young Kiwi.

The pair have clashed at the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship in Wales when New Zealand beat the hosts 31-6 in the semi-final at Rodney Parade on route to the trophy.

"I've marked Leigh before so I know fair bit about him," said Guildford.

"He is a very good player but I'll be looking to keep him under wraps."

New Zealand team to face Wales in Cardiff on 7 November: Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford; Dan Carter, Brendan Leonard; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Jason Eaton, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Ben Smith.

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