Isa Nacewa - the man with many choices

Auckland utility Isa Nacewa is in demand on and off the field. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Rugby and Isa Nacewa is a complicated arena of contradictions.

He is by nature an outside back playing in midfield tonight for Auckland in the second semifinal against neighbours North Harbour at Eden Park.

He was born and schooled in New Zealand but has played (two minutes of a 2003 World Cup test) and qualified for Fiji through his ancestry. Nacewa is being asked to tour Europe with Fiji this year but, if chosen for the inaugural Super 14, would rather prepare for that series.

In theory Nacewa is ineligible for the Super 14 because he cannot represent New Zealand. But having played last year for the Blues, his qualification is not going to be refused.

"The Super 14 is my goal," Nacewa said this week as he prepared for tonight's match, which doubles as a Blues trial. "I have focused on getting a contract in that competition and if it happens, I think I might want a break then because I have played a lot of rugby this year."

Nacewa has been in touch with Fiji coach Wayne Pivac to explain his attitude towards the end-of-year tour to Wales, Italy and Portugal.

"We both understand where we are coming from so we will just have to wait and see until the end of the month when there are a number of selections," Nacewa said.

In the opening round of the NPC, Nacewa played second five-eighths for Auckland against Harbour when Sam Tuitupou was still suspended.

This week, Nacewa has been picked to play alongside utility All Black Mils Muliaina because Tuitupou is said to be favouring a shin injury and Ben Atiga has been spelled.

"I find it takes me a little while to get my head around the changes because I have also played wing this year. But I was off the bench last week against Canterbury at second five-eighths so it is not so bad.

"Others like Mils and Tasesa [Lavea] are really good talkers out on the field so there will be no problem with our plans and communication.

"I guess I am more an outside back or fullback. But Brent Ward has played so well there was no chance of getting a run there."

Nacewa's versatility, however, will be his strong suit come Blues selection time. With Muliaina heading to Waikato and the Chiefs, the Blues need some utility cover and Nacewa and Atiga can deputise in a number of positions.

Super 14 coaches can protect a maximum 24 players when they go to their round-table haggles and Blues coach David Nucifora may opt to choose an initial group of 10 backs. That collection could be Ward, Nacewa, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki, Luke McAlister, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine and David Gibson, with the choice of Atiga, Tuitupou, George Pisi and Tony Koonwaiyou dependent on the draft and other franchises' whims.

If Auckland do well tonight, Nacewa reasons the Blues selection becomes more favourable. "We are at home at Eden Park and that has been a big goal for us this year. That and not to lose at home. Southland was very close and we are still holding on so we want to keep that record."