Guildford, who is not in the 22 for this weekend's test against Wales in Dunedin, joined All Black and Otago lock Tom Donnelly in the Matakanui Combined team against Maniototo at Ranfurly.
Matakanui lost 10-17, but Guildford, who played at second five-eighth, will not forget the experience in a hurry.
"She was pretty tough out there. Those country boys hit you pretty hard. I ran into a few brick walls."
But surrounded by children seeking autographs, he was positive about the experience.
"It's good to see the kids out here and it's good to see the support for club rugby," Guildford, who plays for Hawkes Bay and the Crusaders, said.
"It was pretty cold when I first got out of the car but I soon warmed up."
"The powers that be [All Blacks selectors Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen] decided I was only allowed 40 minutes," Donnelly said.
It was Donnelly's first run since suffering a stress fracture of a bone in his foot three months ago.
He said there had been a few frustrating setbacks since but was pleased to be back on the field.
"I didn't really do that much but it was good to make a couple of tackles and hit a couple of rucks. I'm pretty rapt to get through uninjured."
He hopes to play another club game next weekend and spend a bit more time on the field. As for when he might be seen back in black, he was not too sure.
"We'll have to see what happens. I just want to get through the next few weeks and we'll take it from there."
He last played for Matakanui two years ago, also against Maniototo.
That day, he helped his team win, so was a little disappointed about yesterday's result.
"I love playing with these boys. It's just good to play with guys who really love the game."
One of those "guys", Matakanui centre Scott Milne, enjoyed playing alongside the All Blacks.
"It was pretty good to have them in the team. It was a good experience for all of us."
