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The man regarded as one of the best wingers to have played rugby in the professional era has returned. Rupeni Caucaunibuca (affectionately known as “Caucau”) made a name for himself when he played sevens for Fiji back in 2001.
He was picked out of the blue into a Fijian team which lacked speed and was signed by NPC side Northland.
His impressive form in the NPC saw him gain selection for the Auckland Blues Super 12 team. The coach was so impressed with Caucau that he even benched All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko.
His ability to read the game and score tries out of nowhere made him a fan favourite.
After helping the Blues win the Super 12 title, he was included in the Fijian team for the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
In his first game against France, Caucau scored one of the most memorable tries of the tournament, but after an incident with a French player, he was banned for two games. He returned for their final pool match against Scotland and again showed why he is regarded as the world’s best winger when he scored two brilliant tries.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t good enough as Fiji were bundled out.
He had the desire to play for the All Blacks, but was ineligible since being capped by Fiji. In 2004, he signed on for French Top 14 side, Agen.
In 2005, he appeared for Fiji against the New Zealand Maori and the All Blacks. He didn’t appear in any of Fiji’s World Cup qualifying matches citing excuses which resulted in him getting banned by the Fiji Rugby Union for twelve months.
After the ban expired in May 2006, he showed remorse and returned to Fiji. He scored a try against the Junior All Blacks and one of Fiji’s four tries against Italy in the mid-year tests. He failed to show up for his club Agen whom rang to find he was sick in hospital.
Caucau made his comeback a few months later looking fit and started in their 2006-07 Heineken Cup fixture against Edinburgh. Caucau was man of the match and also became the club’s top try scorer between 2005-2007. He was banned in April 2007 for three months after a drug test found traces of cannabis.
In December 2007, he returned to Agen scoring a hat-rick of tries against Toulon. He left Agen soon afterwards and came back to Fiji in which time he played for his local side, Tailevu. He scored five tries in just four games which saw him receive offers from the Leicester Tigers.
After failing to show for Leicester trials, he joined the Fiji sevens training squad but was dropped by the Fiji Rugby Union citing disciplinary issues.
He returned to Agen, who signed him on for the remainder of their season.
In June 2009, he announced he will no longer play for Fiji because it only brought him “bad luck”. However, in March 2010, he changed his decision after he returned home following the death of his mother. He chose to play for Fiji once again where he is often referred to as the prodigal son.
Caucau will start at inside centre for Fiji against the Wallabies on June 5th, the same day he will celebrate his 30th birthday. Caucau played outside center for Agen this season and scored thirteen tries, ending the year as the top try scorer.
He weighs 120kgs and may prove a handful for the Wallaby defenders once he gets going.
The Fijian team will be captained by Welsh based prop, Deacon Manu and will have the likes of Sireli Bobo, Timoci Nagusa, Waisea Luveniyali, Emosi Vucago and Nemani Nadolo.
The team will be without most of its key players that are based in Europe such as Netani Talei, Akapusi Qera, Sisa Koyamaibole, Marika Vakacegu, Nicky Little, Kameli Ratuvou etc. Seru Rabeni and Napolioni Nalaga have been chosen for the Barbarians so will not be available for Fiji. The team will have at least seven new caps including a host of local based players.
Caucau will be the key man for Fiji.
The fans that turn out in Canberra will get to see the man regarded as the best winger in the last decade.
Australian-born prop Campese Ma’afu will line up against his elder brother Salesi, with the likes of Sireli Bobo and Timoci Nagusa manning the wings. Former Australian Schoolboys winger Nemani Nadolo will also play off the bench for this epic one-off encounter.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.