Guildford Cops Suspension For Dangerous Tackle

Hawke's Bay have suffered a blow ahead of tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield defence against North Harbour in Napier.

Winger Zac Guildford has been suspended for four weeks for his lifting tackle on Counties Manukau's Cardiff Vaega.

Magpies coach Craig Philpott says it's an unfortunate situation.

"Obviously it was an illegal tackle. Not a great deal of intention in it. Bottom line is that it was a dangerous tackle and we've got rules in the game to make sure that doesn't happen so we take the punishment and move on."

Philpott says they've got adequate replacements, and Robbie Fruean is nearly 100 percent after knee surgery and will be available for selection against Canterbury next week.

Guilford won't return until the second to last week of the round robin.

Radio Sport