Pair tipped for New Zealand call

Blues coach David Nucifora has tipped centre Isaia Toeava and captain Troy Flavell for international recalls when the first New Zealand squad of the season is named on Friday.

Nucifora expects to see the young midfielder and the experienced second-rower in the 30-man squad for Tests against France and Canada.

“He has been consistent, that’s the best thing you can say about him,” the Australian coach told The Dominion Post newspaper following his team‘s Super 14 semi-final defeat to the Sharks.

“He’s consistently put in good performances and you’ve seen him continue to mature as a player throughout the season.

“He did very well again yesterday. I was very happy with his game and he showed what a talented player he was to be put into a different position (second five-eighth) at short notice and perform well.”

Regarding the defeat itself, Nucifora said: “It had been an outstanding effort from the guys to come from 14-3 down and get to 18-14 up, but we lost the momentum when Ice (Toeava) went off.”

The coach added that Flavell should also be included, having missed last year‘s European tour through injury.

“You can’t ask much more of a person than to consistently put in good performances. That’s all the players can do and Troy has done that as well. It’s been a long season for these guys.

“They have consistently performed so I think their names should be right at the top of the list.”