Guilford may sit on bench

CRUSADERS WING Zac Guildford might not be rushed back into the side after serving his suspension.

The young All Black was handed a four-match ban as punishment by the New Zealand Rugby Union for his booze-fuelled antics in Rarotonga in November.

There was a feeling he would be rushed back into the side as soon as he had served his time on the sidelines

But it appears that might not be the case, with coach Todd Blackadder saying “there is no guarantee” he will start.

There are several reasons why Guildford may find himself in the reserves for this weekend’s clash against the Highlanders.

His suspension – which saw him miss all of side’s pre-season campaign as well as the Super Rugby opener against the Blues – means his fitness levels probably aren’t too flash at the moment

The back three combination of Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland and Tom Marshall was also solid against the Blues and Blackadder might be tempted to stick with that trio for round two.

“No, there is no guarantee he will start,” Blackadder told The Press when quizzed about whether Guildford would be in his run-on side.

“We will just wait to see how everyone else pulls up. It is great that he is available, but there is no way we will guarantee him a starting spot.”

The Crusaders are to name their side for the Highlanders match on Thursday.