Rugby: Guildford promoted to bench for injured Ellison

Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guilford could make his All Blacks debut if he is called in to action against the Wallabies during Saturday's test. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Zac Guildford has been handed a surprise chance to make his rugby debut for the All Blacks after being promoted to the reserve bench for tomorrow's test against Australia.

Hawkes Bay flyer Guildford replaces Wellington utility Tamati Ellison, who was ruled out by medical staff following today's captain's run at the National Stadium. The uncapped Ellison strained a calf muscle in training yesterday and hasn't recovered in time.

It will cap an emotional return to Japan for Guildford, 20, whose father Robert died of a heart attack in the grandstand as his son's team beat England in the junior World Cup final in Tokyo in June.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him at the ground and at a Tokyo hospital, former Wairarapa Bush player Robert Guildford couldn't be revived.

- NZPA