Rugby: Toeava hip problem baffles medical team

The Blues are waiting for the verdict on Isaia Toeava’s hip injury before naming a replacement. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Mysterious hip pain has interrupted Isaia Toeava's Super 14 campaign, with the Blues centre having scans to try to identify the problem.

The 24-year-old left Carisbrook before halftime in the Blues' 19-15 win against the Highlanders and medical staff have been unable to pinpoint the centre's affliction.

"It is just a pain that shoots down the leg and I couldn't get any power into my running," he said.

Toeava suffered two stress fractures last year, one in his foot then later in his pelvis, which restricted his Tri-Nations involvement and then eliminated him from the end-of-year tour.

He did not resume running until about Christmas but looked sharp in training and in the Blues' opening game with the Hurricanes.

"I had not had any pain until soon after the start of the next game against the Highlanders," Toeava said. "I tried to run it off but it was not improving."

The Blues medical staff sent Toeava for a scan yesterday while they worked through selection alternatives if he cannot travel to Brisbane for the side's next game on Saturday against the Reds.

Midfielders Luke McAlister and George Pisi are not available and Anthony Tuitavake played 60 minutes in a weekend hit-out but may not be ready yet for Super 14 rugby.

Coach Pat Lam said he had worked through some selection ideas but would wait to see what the medical verdict was with Toeava before revealing his choice.

The Reds have lost captain and lineout leader James Horwill for the season with injury but the Blues will need to shore up their set piece after some untidy scrums at Carisbrook and losing nearly half their own lineouts.

* The Melbourne Rebels have sounded out assistant Crusaders coach Mark Hammett to see if he would switch allegiance next season. The Herald understands Hammett wants to head up a coaching group but is contracted with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of next year.