Isaia Toeava has impressed since joining the Blues squad in November. Photo / Northern Advocate
After a year with the Hurricanes, Isaia Toeava is returning to test his skills against his former Super 14 mentors.
Toeava was used almost exclusively at fullback by the Hurricanes but his role so far with the unbeaten Blues has been at centre where he will face a
fierce test on Saturday from opposition skipper Tana Umaga.
Toeava began the Super 14 against the Crusaders but left the field before halftime with a damaged shoulder, which caused him to miss the last-gasp victory against the Brumbies.
However the 21-year-old reported fit for duty this week and coach David Nucifora reinstated him in the only change to the starting side for the third round match in Wellington.
Toeava's selection meant a switch to the left wing for Anthony Tuitavake with Rudi Wulf dropping out of the squad as a fit Sam Tuitupou slotted back on to the reserves list.
Toeava was the shock selection for the All Blacks Grand Slam tour in late 2005 and has played five tests including two starts at centre.
He was picked outside midfielder Luke McAlister for the Tri-Nations victory against the Wallabies at Eden Park last year but was dragged soon after halftime. But the pair have been reunited for Saturday's Super 14 clash in Wellington.
Nucifora said it had been decided that Toeava would start the season at centre but he knew there were several challengers for the job.
Nucifora said: "It depends on how he goes. He knows that we've got options, a couple of other boys who can play the position quite well.
"We're starting to build some pressure for positions and that's contributing to the performances, having a little bit of depth."
Toeava had been impressive since he joined the Blues squad last November, he had shown increasing confidence both on and off the park.
The Hurricanes will announce their side today with some doubt about the fitness of Ma'a Nonu and flanker Nili Latu.
There was also some uncertainty about prop John Schwalger who is expected to be primed with All Black prop Neemia Tialata for what should be a decent test of a mixed Blues scrum.
