Rupeni Caucau scored his first try for Toulouse on the weekend as they snatched a narrow 22-19 victory over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel Deflandre. There was a glimpse of what we remember from the dynamic winger, so things are looking up.
The goal for Caucau, and all Fijian and in fact neutral fans, would be to have him fit, on form, and turning out for his country at the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
His move to table topping Toulouse was probably the best thing for him as hes managed to shed some of his bulk and by all accounts seems to be playing some decent rugby, with this try in particular proving vital in the tight Top 14 game on the weekend.
His slick handling set up a nice run from fellow Fijian Vilimoni Delasau, who returned the favour for Caucau to dash away, beating a few hapless La Rochelle backs. He also made a nice tackle earlier in the game, showing hes adept at second centre as he kept an eye on his man, fullback Greg Goosen, all the way, then squashed him into touch.
The former Auckland Blues superstar, who scored 15 tries in 14 Super Rugby caps, was recently named as being in the top five of greatest ever Super Rugby players.
“Rupeni Caucaunibuca became the competition’s most feared winger,” the website said.
“Caucau’s ball running almost defied belief. In full flight it appeared as though he was in second gear, yet chasing defenders still invariably ended up eating grass. The Fijian had the strength and power of a forward while also possessing blinding pace.”
It now remains to be seen if his comeback has been left far too late, or if he will in fact make it to the top to show off his considerable talents at the show piece of world rugby.
Time: 02:20
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