Sadly, most of us don't get to choose our nicknames. If it were up to Isaia Toeava, he would probably shrug off the "Special Project" tag with which he was anointed by Wayne Smith as a wide-eyed youth in 2005.
Toeava was just 19, hadn't played Super rugby and had just eight NPC matches under his belt when he was called into the All Blacks for the end-of-season northern tour. He debuted against Scotland in a Grand Slam-sealing match and impressed the All Black coaches enough to occupy a long-term place on their radar that now sees him named in a second World Cup squad.
The fans were less convinced and - initially - even Toeava seemed unsure of his talents. He had a couple of ropey test matches in his early seasons, but has regathered himself and fashioned a stable reputation.
So how special is the project? He's been comfortably the most clever Blues attacker in the past two Super rugby campaigns; when he's absent, the side noticeably lacks venom and a player with the nous to straighten attacks. He's among the fastest in the All Black squad, and while his instinct doesn't lend itself to a classical winger's break on the outside, few will have a better eye for space and linking with teammates on inside runs.
At 25, the Aucklander is something of a veteran. He started his international career as a fullback and has been touted as a utility capable of filling every slot from 10 outwards. But in this squad, Toeava will most likely feature as a winger and a strong contender for a starting place.
