Yahoo!Xtra Sunday Grill: Isaia Toeava

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All Black utility Isaia Toeava has come a long way since being thrust into the international arena aged just 19 in 2005. Now a veteran of 20 tests, the player once dubbed a "special project" by the All Black brains trust says it has been a heck of a ride.

Q: How much have you matured over the past 12 months in particular? You have been the rock of the Blues back-line this season.

A: I think I have matured a lot. I have learnt a lot from the last few years from all the guys I have played with, especially guys in the All Blacks like Milsy (Mils Muliaina). In the Blues, guys like Anthony Tuitavake and Tasesa Lavea have been great for me. I have learnt heaps. I have had a lot of ups and downs in my career. And I have definitely learnt a lot from that.

Q: You were very young when you were thrust into the limelight with the All Blacks. How tough was that to handle?

A: It was very tough. I was fresh out of school and then got selected into the All Blacks; it was pretty nerve-wrecking. I was young and nervous, so yeah it was pretty tough. But I have learnt from that heaps. I have learnt so much from those experiences.

Q: What has kept you grounded? It is not uncommon for some young rising stars to fade by the wayside after being pushed into the limelight at such an early age?

A: Probably my family and mates. My family have been there for me since day one. They have always been there for me. And my team-mates have helped a lot as well. Team-mates have helped me on and off the field. So yeah, family and friends. But mostly my family who have always been there for me.

Q: One thing that has again been seen from you this year has been your versatility. It's the million dollar question, but where do you prefer to play?

A: It has been pretty tough being moved around. But I am happy at the same time too; as long as you are out on the field you are pretty happy. I don't mind playing fullback or centre. At the moment I am covering second-five for the Blues. We have had a lot of injuries in our team, I just have to do the best I can for the boys.

Q: Do you believe it is an advantage in the professional arena being able to offer a coach strong versatility cover in the backs?

A: It can be. I have just been glad I have had a lot of guys helping me out in training in terms of the different positions. It was tough going to second-five for the last couple of weeks. I am learning a lot about the different positions which is great.

Q: How much frustration is there in the Blues about some of the games you guys have lost?

A: It is disappointing. Just look at the Reds game; we started off bad and then everything went well for us. But the damage was done. It has been a tough year. But that is rugby, you just have to win on.

Q: You are the only player who has played 80 minutes of each of the Blues' matches this season. Are you happy with how you have been going?

A: Yeah. It has been OK. The body is a bit tired having played all the 80 minutes. But coach Pat Lam has given me the opportunity and I just have to try and make the most of it. If you have one bad game you can be on the bench. I just have to make the most of it and hopefully go well.

Q: Is it a case for you that the more you play, the more you feel comfortable and better you feel out on the field?

A: Yeah. I guess you know when you are starting a game, and not on the bench, that it gives you confidence. It is great to be able to spend a lot of time out there. That is just me; the more game-time I get, the more confident I get.

Q: So there's no way you are after a break then?

A: No, I don't mind playing on at all. I don't mind keep on starting. It is a good chance to get out there and help the boys. I am just trying to take my opportunities.