Rupeni Caucau is back - Hatrick vs Toulon

Overweight, unfit, and with a lack of match practice, Rupeni Caucaunibuca has once again proved that when fit, he is quite possibly the most exciting player to be seen since the likes of Jonah Lomu.

The big Fijian left wing, who has been out for most of the season due to his poor disciplinary record (which includes absence without leave and testing positive for the use of cannabis), scored a thrilling hatrick of tries in his comeback match for Agen against the Pro D2 (French second division) leaders Toulon.

Scoring the first try in under 3 minutes, Rupeni made a huge impact. I say huge not only because of the quality of the try, but because he is now tipping the scales at a hefty 115 kgs/253 pounds. If it weren't for his number he could easily be mistaken for a front rower. In fact, his eating habits have been noted as a problem for his health and have been particularly worrying for his manager.

The Agen manager actually last week stated in the press that the game against Toulon was Rupeni's last chance to perform. The message obviously hit home because perform he did, with three fantastic tries that rejuvenated the Agen fans after a few disappointing performances prior to this thrashing of log leaders Toulon.

The first try, that saw him brushing aside three defenders, was reminiscent of his glory days with Auckland and Fiji. That devastating speed and low centre of gravity once again proved impossible to stop. He made the second try look simple, and his third was sheer class. Making a great tackle, he then got up to pick up the messy ball with one hand and speed away for the try. Very similar to the third try he scored against the Brumbies in 2003. Not many players in the world can do that when on the run.

Unfortunately Caucaunibuca has only played twice for his country since his dazzling 2003 displays. Fiji haven't been very forgiving towards his disciplinary issues, but French club Agen have given him another chance, and with Monday's startling performance he has more than likely saved his season, and he will hopefully continue to entertain for many games to come.

Final Score: 33-0 to Agen

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Rupeni Caucaunibuca vs Scotland WC 2003

Give it to Caucau, and anything can happen. Scotland found that out the hard way in the World Cup in 2003. Two well finished Fijian tries by none other than 'The Man' himself; Rupeni Caucaunibuca.

The first try was a bit controversial as there was a definite forward pass before he got the ball, but that aside, his acceleration and strength was incredible to see.

The second was in a totally different class to most individual efforts you'll see. Getting the ball on his own 22, Caucau literally breezes past the Scottish defence with his immense speed and incredible low centre of gravity.

One of the biggest disappointments for me so far at the 2007 World Cup is that this great player is nowhere to be seen. He's currently serving three month doping ban for testing positive for marijuana. There is talk however of him technically being able to make an appearance in the later stages of the tournament, but I'm not sure how true that is or if it would ever happen unfortunately.

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Rupeni Caucau vs the Tahs 'The rest of em are dinosaurs!'

We wouldn't want an overload of one particular player, but since finding more footage of Monsieur CauCau, I figured I'd post his highlights between current games and previous big hits etc.

This was back in the Super 12 when playing for the Blues against the Waratahs. A fit CauCaunibuca shows SERIOUS gas to score the first, leaving the 'Tahs for dead. The second is another classic, making the game look so simple.

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Rupeni Caucaunibuka at his best

Some examples of the absolute brilliance of Rupeni Caucau in action for the Blues at his peak in 2003. I'll never forget watching that last try live and being blown away by the sheer skill level and blistering speed.

Most people will hate me for saying this, but I almost wish that he'd been legible to play for the All Blacks, for the simple reason that then this great player would get the exposure he deserves.

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Rupeni Caucaunibuca try against France

Anyone who's ever seen Rupeni Caucaunibuca play will know that on form, and when fit, he's probably the most explosive winger we've seen in a long time.

He was with Auckland a cpl of years back in the Super 12. Since then, he's wandered around clubs in France and has been a regular no shower at important matches.

He's done it once again. The Fijian wingers future at the club is in doubt, with club officials seeking clarification regarding his commitment to the club.

Anyone who has more clips of this guy plz let me know.

Update: As Jeff has so kindly & politely pointed out in the comments section, Caucaunibuca has been playing in France for Agen and doing pretty well apparently. Still would love to see him in the Super 14.

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