Rugby: Toeava back in blue and white

Isaia Toeava. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks utility back Isaia Toeava will make his long awaited return to action from the Auckland reserves bench against national provincial championship rugby rivals Taranaki at New Plymouth on Sunday.

He has not played since the Blues' Super 15 game against the Highlanders on April 29 after discovering a previous stress fracture in his hip had reoccurred.

The 25-year-old admitted it had been tough journey back to full fitness but he was relishing the opportunity of pulling on the Auckland jersey again.

"It's been a long time but the body's all right at the moment. The hip's feeling good," he said today.

Toeava returned to Auckland from Wellington last night after being released from the All Blacks camp, and he is expected to play 40 minutes off the bench against Taranaki.

Toeava said he had not set himself any specific targets but just wanted to concentrate on getting the basics right.

"It's just getting out there, getting the feel of it again and doing the basics right - that'll be my main focus and doing the job for the boys."

Auckland:
Brent Ward, Joe Rokocoko, Hadleigh Parkes, Francis Saili, Charles Piutau, Gareth Anscombe, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Sean Polwart, Nathan Hughes, Chris Lowrey, Steven Luatua, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Pauliasi Manu, Richard Haddon, Onosa'i Auva'a, Toby Morland, Piers Francis, Isaia Toeava, Angus Ta'avao.

- NZPA