KEY POINTS:
The term "utility" is a description both valued and scorned by rugby players - a blessing if you want to get on the field but a curse for those aiming to make their long-term reputation as specialists.
All Blacks such as Eroni Clarke, Matthew Cooper and Ma'a Nonu
have been placed in that category - deemed capable enough of filling several positions but never quite able to cement regular international selection.
"Troubleshooter" sounds far better and that protrayal certainly fits Isa Nacewa's contribution for the Blues and Auckland. Halfback is the only backline position he has avoided and if called upon he could probably do a fair job there as well.
A few years back he was used as an outside back, then he made a huge contribution to the Blues Super 14 campaign last season as first five-eighths. The acquisition of Nick Evans fills that position this season though Nacewa may be used if there are injuries or the All Black deputy needs time off.
But when coach David Nucifora picks his side for the opening match against the Chiefs on February 16 at Eden Park, it will be no surprise if Nacewa is wearing the No 15 jersey for the Blues. Fullback brought some problems last season with George Pisi and Ben Atiga both used there without either demanding consistent selection. They are both back in the squad but being tailgated by Nacewa who was voted the best player in Auckland's Air New Zealand Cup triumph.
"I have done a bit of everywhere I guess but I have been training so far at fullback so we will see how that goes," he says.
"It will be interesting to see if I stay there," he adds about his latest portfolio. "There are a lot of guys chasing that job and it will be interesting to see how it goes with the law changes, what difference that makes."
"I remember talking about this time last year and I had just been told I would be playing in the 10 position and it is different being back at fullback after the end of the Super 14 and the Air New Zealand at 10 but I am loving the extra space."
Nacewa has only been running again for a few weeks after X-rays revealed he broke a bone in his foot late last year, restricting his training for much of the summer to cycling and gymwork.
The 25-year-old played for Fiji at the 2003 World Cup but has since shunned overtures to continue that test route. He wants the IRB to reconsider his eligibility and in the meantime has been rewarded with domestic New Zealand success. "It was great winning an Air New Zealand Cup and a Ranfurly Shield along the way and that does it for me - it was a real highlight," he says.
"I am loving my time in New Zealand and it is a personal choice. The Blues have also been loyal to me and I want to repay them."
