1 Oct 2011

Ted delighted with the way Guildford has reacted

11:28 am on 1 October 2011

The All Black coach Graham Henry says he's been impressed with the way winger Zac Guildford has reacted to his drinking issues and concentrated on the team.

Last week Guildford admitted to some excessive drinking during the Tri-Nations.

The 22-year-old was named on Friday morning to play his first Rugby World Cup match against Canada in Wellington on Sunday.

Henry says Guildford's done everything expected of him and has handled the issue particularly well, becoming one of the leaders setting the standards in training - so the coach expects big things on the weekend.

Guildford himself says he's just excited to get the opportunity to play again.

Mils Muliaina will start his 99th Test after being named to start at fullback, Israel Dagg moves onto the right wing and Sonny Bill Williams is at second five. Kieren Read gets his first start after injury at number eight.