Guildford fulfils wish

The 20-year-old's father died in June watching the International Rugby Board's world under-20 final in Tokyo when Guildford scored two tries for New Zealand in their 44-28 victory over England.

"He will be over the moon," Guildford said after he was named in Graham Henry's side as one of four new caps in the 33-man squad.

"It was his dream for me to make the All Blacks because he didn't do it himself, so I think he will be really proud."

Guildford, who is the top try scorer in this year's national provincial competition for his team Hawke's Bay, had said earlier his father's death had refocused his efforts on the rugby field - something that was not missed by Henry.

"He has used that sad situation to motivate himself and to make his father proud of him. That's very emotional," Henry said. "I even feel emotional talking about it."

Guildford's selection for the tour had been expected because of his great form with Hawke's Bay, for whom he has scored 13 tries so far this season.

Henry added Guildford's skills suited the international game, where teams were kicking deep for territory and forcing the opposition to respond or run the ball back.

"Zac Guildford has had a great year and... he impressed me with his all-round game," added Henry. "He is good under the high ball. He kicks well. He defends very well.

"So on balance he has got (all) those other skills."

Henry also compared the player to former All Blacks winger John Kirwan, who scored 35 tries in 63 tests and was considered a virtual automatic selection for several All Blacks coaches throughout his career.

"What has impressed me about Zac apart from his ability to score is that he has got a great nose for try-scoring," Henry said.

"He reminds me of John Kirwan in many ways. He gets on the shoulder of players to receive that final pass to score, so he sniffs out tries very well."