Rugby: Toeava a veteran at 23

Isaia Toeava has been equally capable at fullback, centre or second five-eighths. Photo / Getty Images

He was the shock selection in 2005, an All Black before he played Super Rugby.

At times it has been a difficult rugby journey for Isaia Toeava as the utility back struggled to deliver the potential the national panel saw when they blooded him at fullback against Scotland four years ago.

That international career stuttered until the All Blacks' end-of-year trip last season and that form has continued into this year's Super series where he will make his 50th appearance as the Blues host the Reds at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

"I have been rapt with the way he has gone because four years ago, many - myself included - wrongly labelled him as a freak," Blues assistant Shane Howarth said.

"We have asked a lot of him this season and we should still remember he is only just 23, but is labelled as a senior player."

Toeava is shy, he prefers to be in the background and being tagged as a leader does not sit comfortably with him when he is away from his rugby duties. But once he dons his kit and crosses the chalk, Toeava's actions and directions gather steam.

He has played every minute of the Blues nine games this season and been equally capable at fullback, centre or second five-eighths, where he will roll out again on Saturday. Many believe he is more potent or suited to that midfield role while others think he contributes more with the space at fullback.

Whatever those arguments, it is that versatility which will be such a valuable commodity for Auckland, the Blues and the All Blacks as Toeava continues his rugby development. Howarth believes Toeava has claimed the classy utility mantle which the gifted Isa Nacewa held in his time at the franchise.

"Ice is just bloody talented, just like Isa and that is a big rap and I do not say that lightly. I have worked with both of them and they have got the same traits, both pretty quiet in demeanour but quite dynamic on a rugby field," said Howarth.

"People say it is a curse being able to play in all those positions but I think that if you talk to people like Graham [Henry] they are invaluable to you, they are gold and I believe Ice can play at international level from 12 out."

The only complaint the versatile Toeva has made to the Blues selectors during an often gruelling season came when they broached the idea of giving him a rest. He was someone who improved the more he played, said Howarth.

The Auckland coach loved the way Toeava passed fluently to either flank and could step on the gas to make a break in midfield if defenders spread too laterally. That threat had helped the Blues attacking width.

Toeava came to prominence when he was named as the International Rugby Board's under-19 player of the year in the same 2005 season when he was chosen for Auckland and the All Blacks. He made his Super 14 debut in 2006 for the Hurricanes against the Blues before switching to the Blues in 2007.

The Blues are tomorrow expected to name their team to face the Reds at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

Reds: Mark McLinden, Luke Morahan, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Brando Va'aulu, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ezra Taylor, Tasi Luafutu, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill (c), Van Humphries, Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Jack Kennedy, Adam Byrnes, Scott Higginbotham, Ben Lucas, Anthony Faingaa, Charlie Fetoai.