All Blacks: Toeava injury adds to All Black woes

A long-running hip problem to Isaia Toeava further complicates test midfield selection. Photo / Getty Images

The erratic rugby journey of Isaia Toeava has hit another snag which could pose follow-on dramas for the All Black selectors.

Toeava has been coping with a hip injury for most of the year but has been forced to take time out as the national squad announcement looms.

The utility has played 26 tests for the All Blacks since his left-field promotion in 2005 and his consistent Super 14 form fingered him as a certainty in a 26-man squad.

However, that agenda has taken a hit with Toeava on a rest and rehab programme to try to sort out his injury which has flared up again.

That problem compounded the midfield test selection arena for the All Blacks as Ma'a Nonu is out for at least six weeks because of a knee ligament injury.

Toeava had a cortisone injection earlier this year which allowed him to play 10 matches for the Blues at centre and fullback until the pain became intolerable.

He missed the final game against the Chiefs and has been ordered away from running and put on to a strengthening programme to try to sort out the hip injury.

If that does not bring enough results, the medical staff will decide whether to give him another injection or whether he needs surgery. An operation would remove him from rugby for about three or four months.

Toeava may not have slotted in to replace Nonu in the All Blacks starting XV but his utility skills would have covered that role and others from the bench.

Now that option is in doubt as the All Black selectors eye the choices to start the three June tests against Ireland and Wales in midfield and also look for cover.

Benson Stanley turned in consistent form throughout the season for the Blues while his squad colleague Luke McAlister played only a couple of games because of injury.

He has been an All Black but has shown none of that 30-test form this year.

Tamati Ellison, Tim Bateman, Daniel Bowden and Anthony Tuitavake are all out of contention because they have signed overseas deals while Ryan Crotty appears to have slipped down the ratings at the Crusaders.

Those like Richard Kahui, Colin Slade or Stephen Donald could be moved but there would be questions over their range of skills in midfield at the top level.

The selectors may think about shifting Conrad Smith in a place but he does not have a noted kicking game and that would then leave the problem of finding a centre.