Tonight Gloucester host Agen in round two of the European Challenge Cup, with the home side looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat at Kingsholm. Back in 2007, they had the enigmatic Rupeni Caucau to contend with, as he carved them up in typical fashion.
The two sides have met just four times in Europe, with the French side winning three, including that night ten years ago when Caucau, already having moved on from a sensational time in Super Rugby, helped them to a 26-18 victory.
The dynamic winger’s impact with the Auckland Blues changed his life.
“I grew up in a poor family, living in a small house,” Caucau told ESPN a few years ago.
“My dad was a missionary and he always travelled around. We moved around a lot and all we had was this small house. To make money, you had to go fishing and diving. I did not know that if you play rugby, you can get money.”
Unfortunately, one of the world’s greatest ever strike runners only played for his country a measly seven times. In many ways it was the career that never was, but those who got to see him at his best will tell countless tales of his balanced running and lethal finishing ability.
Despite the frustration experienced all too often by his fans, who just wanted him at his best, he goes down as one of the most unique players to have ever played the game.
Sky Sports, showing the game live tonight, have put this clip together from that 2007 match
Caucau & @agen_rugby carved up @gloucesterrugby in 07. @miketindall13 is in studio for the re-match. Tough night Mike? #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/Iq8yWOrFj9
— Sky Sports Rugby ???? (@SkySportsRugby) October 19, 2017
credit: sky sports
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