Isaia Toeava

Isaia "Ice Man" Toeava (born 15 January 1986 in Moto'otua, Samoa), is a professional rugby union player in New Zealand.

Toeava attended De La Salle College, Mangere East, he played alongside Taniela Moa in the school's First XV rugby team. He represented New Zealand U-19 where he was named the IRB's Under-19 2005 player of the year. He played at second-five for New Zealand Under 19.

Toeava has also represented New Zealand in the Sevens rugby and In 2004 Toeava played at second five for the Auckland championship-winning Marist Under 21 team, coached by Peter Tubberty. He was a shock selection in the All Blacks 2005 end-of-year tour at only 19 years of age and having previously no Super 14 experience, and limited Provincial experience with just eight games for Auckland, and only a solitary started at first-five against Northland. His first game for the All Blacks was not a success, and his continuing selection for the team has been one of the most controversial aspects of Graham Henry's time as coach.

Since then, he has played his first-class rugby mainly at Centre, Wing and Fullback although he has played first-five in the age groups. He currently plays his provincial rugby for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup. He was drafted to the Hurricanes in the 2006 Super 14 season, but was selected to play for the Blues for the 2007 season.

He was instrumental in the success of the Blues in the 2007 Super 14 season, scoring 4 tries and setting up many other tries from the outside centre position. He was later nominated for Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year at the 2007 Steinlager Rugby Awards. He is one of several players to be played at centre for the All Blacks over the last two seasons, a position which has seen numerous changes because of Tana Umaga's retirement and Conrad Smith's injuries.

A talented exponent of the Sevens game, Toeava has the skills and athleticism to play anywhere from first five-eighths out. He played at fullback for the Hurricanes in the 2006 Rebel Sport Super 14 – he was the only draft player, from Auckland, in the Hurricanes squad – and is predicted to have a bright future as a penetrative midfield back.His outstanding form at Centre for Blues in the 2007 Super 14 saw his recall to the All Blacks.

In 2010 Toeava was selected for the Grand Slam All Blacks squad. He was criticized for as a reason for the All Blacks defeat, along with Stephen Donald, to the Wallabies. However two weeks later he gained a starting position at right wing where he had a good game which included line breaks and a key role in two tries.

Toeava played the final two games of the 2011 Tri-Nations tournament, but failed to score a single point. He then was selected to play for the All Black's at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He played the first game and he had a try disallowed as his foot touched the sideline.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaia_Toeava