Caucau back to cause mayhem - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Caucau back to cause mayhem

By Adrian Warren 30/05/2010 06:08:32 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans expects enigmatic excitement machine Rupeni Caucaunibuca to make his long-awaited international comeback in the centres as part of Fiji's plan to cause mayhem against Australia in Canberra next weekend.

Caucaunibuca, who turns 30 on the day of the match at Canberra Stadium, hasn't played a Test since November 2006, but scored nine tries in just six games for the Pacific Island nation.

Renowned as one of the world's most brilliant wingers, Caucaunibuca has moved closer to the action, playing in the centres during his stint with French club Agen.

After previously declaring he wasn't interested in resuming his Test career, Caucaunibuca is part of the Fijian squad for the one-off Test against the Wallabies on Saturday.

"I've seen their team list and I read the comments of (Fiji coach) Sam (Domoni) that he had to leave a lot of wingers behind, but they will be coming here to have a dig," Deans told reporters on Sunday.

"I understand Rupeni is likely to be playing 12, so if he's at 12 they are going to have a fair amount of pace and we know their capabilities.

"He's an immensely powerful player and I understand he's played a lot more in the midfield of late."

Deans marvelled at some of the breathtaking moves Caucaunibuca exhibited during his three-season Super stint with the Blues.

"I've seen him do some remarkable things on the rugby field, things that no-one else in the world has ever done," Deans said.

"He was a remarkable player in his time. I understand he scored 16 tries this year, so he's still going pretty well."

The Fijian squad also includes another winger making an international comeback in Sireli Bobo as well as NSW Waratahs winger Nemani Nadolo.

The squad also contains prop Campese Ma'afu, the brother of uncapped Wallabies prop Salesi Ma'afu.

Deans admitted to knowing little about Fiji, who haven't played any of the three major southern hemisphere nations since the 2007 World Cup.

However, with less than a week to prepare for the Wallabies season opener, he was more concerned about getting his own side ready.

"We need to get into our game early and through that limit the scope for the Fijians to play, because it is a one-off Test match for them and they will be coming here to create mayhem," Deans said.

Deans confirmed halfback Will Genia, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and prop Ben Daley wouldn't be considered for next weekend because of lingering injuries.

Deans said Brumbies prop Ben Alexander, who he switched last year from loosehead to tighthead, was likely to play on both sides of the scrum in coming weeks.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news