WATCH: The new Rupeni Caucaunibuca? Fiji could have found its next superstar wing
Fijian Drua wing Taniela Rakuro against the Brumbies in 2024.
Big things are expected of Fijian Drua flyer Taniela Rakuro in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
The back three player was not first choice in 2023, but he shone when getting onto the field, scoring four tries in seven matches for the Drua.
With Kalaveti Ravouvou and Eroni Sau among those to depart the team ahead of the 2024 campaign, Rakuro seems set to get more opportunities in Super Rugby this year.
Impressive pre-season
He has played a prominent part in pre-season and scored a couple of outstanding tries during their clash with the Brumbies.
The Fijians ended up going down 43-40 to the Australians, but Rakuro lit up the game in the first half with his qualities being compared to the great Rupeni Caucaunibuca
Although the flyer is not quite as stocky as the legendary Caucaunibuca, he has that ability to eat up the ground and easily shrug off defenders.
Tier 2 Rugby posted a video of his exploits against the Brumbies with a caption which read: “If you haven’t seen it already, here is Taniela Rakuro looking Caucau-esque in pre-season for Fijian Drua.
“He scored 4 tries in 7 games in his debut Super Rugby season last year, but could this year be one he really establishes himself as a professional player?”
If you haven't seen it already, here is Taniela Rakuro looking Caucau-esque in pre-season for Fijian Drua. He scored 4 tries in 7 games in his debut Super Rugby season last year, but could this year be one he really establishes himself as a professional player? pic.twitter.com/ZxgcZdCTOn
— Tier 2 Rugby (@T2Rugby) February 17, 2024
Fijian Drua’s development
The Drua made history in 2023, qualifying for the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time in just their second season in the tournament.
It included a remarkable regular season victory over the eventual champions Crusaders, but their title hopes were eventually ended in the quarter-finals by the same side.
Their participation in the competition was partly credited with Fiji’s impressive run at the Rugby World Cup where they defeated Australia and reached the quarter-finals.
Simon Raiwalui’s side eventually succumbed to England in the last-eight, but they ran Steve Borthwick’s men incredibly close.
READ MORE: Seven players to watch in Super Rugby Pacific including a former England star