Rugby: Toeava happy to be back

Isaia Toeava. Photo / Getty Images

Isaia Toeava is happy to be back in big-time rugby - just don't talk about the All Blacks.

After five months on the sidelines with a hip injury, the 24-year-old made a strong return last night, playing a key role in the last 35 minutes as Auckland stormed away with the match.

"I was pretty nervous when I got on and I felt pretty rusty but once I touched the ball a couple of times I felt all right. The coaches just told me to do the basics. It is sure good to be back in the blue and white hoops."

The 102kg midfield back admitted he felt the effects of his long layoff, several times pausing to catch his breath. "The lungs were blowing out there so I was lucky I got 30 minutes and not 40 minutes," he joked.

After setting up a try for Joe Rokocoko, Toeava created the momentum for another five-pointer with a spectacular catch of his own midfield bomb.

"I was prety lucky to get the ball back - I'm sure I knocked it on but nevertheless we got the try."

However, he was quick to fend off the inevitable questions about his All Black ambitions this season. "I'm just focused on Auckland at the moment and getting some game time in the ITM Cup. I'm not focused on the ABs right now."

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe said: "He's a class act and [Jerome] Kaino was the same. We all know they are the best players in the world and at this level of football they give confidence to the players around them. They show their class."