The attacking talents of Rupeni Caucaunibuca could be just what the Northland Taniwha need to beat the Southland Stags at Toll Stadium tomorrow.
The 33-year-old winger returns to play in the Cambridge blue after a 10-year absence with Taniwha faithful hoping age has not blunted his attacking prowess.
In his previous spell at Northland, between 2001 and 2003, he scored 16 tries with a mixture of blinding speed and guile to establish the reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking players on the planet.
"Of course it's exciting to have Rupes back with us this week but it's been awhile between drinks for him so, like everyone, we're interested to see what he can do," coach Derren Witcombe said.
Caucaunibuca missed the opening match of the ITM Cup campaign last weekend through injury but has passed fitness tests this week to be named in the starting line-up.
He is one of five changes to the starting line-up from the narrow loss to Waikato with William Whetton replacing Jake Parangatai at No8, Robbie Abel replacing Ross Wright at hooker and Whiria Meltzer replacing Matt Wright at fullback.
Witcombe has also selected Jone Macilai - another Fijian flyer playing for Awanui in the Far North - to make his Northland debut and partner Caucaunibuca on the flanks.
The Northland coach is looking for a solid start to the match against the Stags - something that the Taniwha was unable to manage last weekend in the Ranfurly Shield challenge.
"If we can start well and hold on to the ball then there's no reason why we can't go on to win," he said.
The coach is expecting the Stags to be highly motivated after their opening round 25-15 defeat by Tasman.
"They've always got a well-balanced side with a strong pack and a pretty good backline too," Witcombe said.
Southland has lost No8 Elliot Dixon, who was suspended for making a dangerous tackle on Saturday but that is balanced by the return of Stags flanker Tim Boys from injury.
The 2013 Taniwha Hale T-Pole - now back in the Southland line-up - will likely deputise at No 8.