Rugby: Flying Fijian ready to go

By CHRIS RATTUE

The wonder wing is back. But grab him while you can, because Rupeni Caucaunibuca will make what is almost certainly his only appearance for Northland in this year's NPC when they play Waikato on Sunday.

Caucaunibuca, who has re-signed with Northland until the end of 2005, was in Whangarei yesterday afternoon - after an 18-hour flight following Fiji's short South American tour - to confirm his availability to coach Donny Stevenson.

Northland weren't expecting any game time from the newly married Caucaunibuca, who went straight from the altar to play his first tests for Fiji against Argentina and Chile.

He made a sensational start to his test career, scoring once in the loss to Argentina, then notching four tries in the win over Chile on Monday.

The 23-year-old Caucaunibuca will pop up on Northland's left wing for the Air NZ-sponsored NPC match, with his union hoping he will inspire a win and get the turnstiles clicking.

Just 2500 watched Northland go close to beating Canterbury in round one in Whangarei, and if anyone can draw a crowd it is the Fijian, who missed the final stages of the Blues Super 12 campaign because of a leg stress fracture.

Stevenson said Caucaunibuca's need for match fitness was a reason he would play on Sunday before returning to his new wife in Fiji and then going into a World Cup camp on September 8.

"Match fitness is the issue for him at the moment and that's a reason [Fiji coach] Mac McCallion has released him for this game," said Stevenson.

"One of the first things we said was hopefully it will get a few more bums on seats. It was a paltry crowd for the Canterbury game.

"We're approaching this game in the mood that having him back can inspire us to get that first win. It was disappointing to lose Matt Faleuka but Rupeni's a pretty handy replacement. "We just hope we can get enough good ball to him. His game plan will be pretty simple - just do what you normally do."

Faleuka is suspended out of the Waikato match on a dangerous tackle charge arising from Saturday's match against Taranaki.

Waikato coach Ian Foster announces his side today. Fiji captain Greg Smith is back and Waikato believe they may have him for four games.

Lock Chresten Davis is in minor doubt after a training ground injury.

Whangarei-born fullback Todd Miller is not in the Waikato line-up as he does not play on Sundays.