Rugby: Toeava out again with hip injury

All Blacks utility back Isaia Toeava has succumbed again to a continuing hip injury that has interrupted his Super 14 rugby season and will sit out the Blues' final match against the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday night.

Toeava was at fullback for the Blues' 56-14 win over the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend but coach Pat Lam today said he was battling with the hip problem.

"He's been struggling most of the season but gutsing it out," he said.

"At the weekend, you could see he was in a bit of pain."

Lam was unsure whether the injury would affect Toeava's availability for the All Blacks' home test programme.

He said the Blues' medical staff would make an assessment in consultation with their test counterparts.

In Toeava's absence, winger Rudi Wulf comes in on to one wing with Paul Williams moving to fullback.

There are two other changes to the starting 15.

Skipper Keven Mealamu is back at hooker after missing the win over the Lions because of a calf problem, while Viliami Ma'afu is back at No 8 in place of Peter Saili, who is bracketed with Jerome Kaino at openside flanker.

Lam said Kaino had muscle tightness in a leg after the match in Johannesburg and the long flight home, but was feeling "pretty chirpy" today.

Decisions would be made closer to kickoff whether Kaino would take the field and also who will start at centre, with Rene Ranger, who is recovering from a twisted knee, being bracketed with Luke McAlister.

Blues: Paul Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger/Luke McAlister, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliami Ma'afu, Serge Lilo, Jerome Kaino/Peter Saili, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, George Pisi.

- NZPA