Chris Rattue: Caucaunibuca's outburst hints at emotions bubbling inside

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We all know what's right with Rupeni Caucaunibuca, but it takes some figuring out what's wrong with him.

What's right is obvious. When he's on, you're unlikely to see a more brilliant footballer, nor one who makes beating opponents look easier, or scoring tries from just about anywhere simpler.

Chiefs captain Jono Gibbes suggested a speed restriction be introduced after the Fijian wonder-wing had dismantled his side this year.

Caucaunibuca often seems to be jogging, the only thing telling you otherwise being that talented defenders appear powerless to get close enough to even knock him off his stride. But his outburst against France hinted at the less-than-smooth emotions that bubble inside this extraordinary talent.

Even his coaches can appear flustered when asked to reveal the real Rupeni.

After he sensationally inspired a 14-man Blues side to that pivotal win over the Chiefs this year, coach Peter Sloane revealed Caucaunibuca did not test as one of the Blues' quickest.

"People get excited about his pace, but we haven't got too much on record about that," Sloane said.

"He only lets go when an alsatian or something like that is chasing him."

An indifferent trainer maybe.

When Caucaunibuca was first signed by Northland three years ago, he arrived at an early practice session "in a state unfit for training and it wasn't due to injury", explains then coach Bryce Woodward.

A similar incident happened a week later. Strong words were needed, and Caucaunibuca proceeded to knuckle down to the job as he scored nearly a try a game, thrilling the public along the way.

More words were needed to get Caucaunibuca firing after an early injury problem the following year.

Northland had a strict no-train, no-play policy.

Unsure about their match-winning star, arrangements were made for fellow players to give him a lift to every training session.

Woodward says: "He likes the adulation. He likes to be a rock star, and the financial rewards it brings. He can be a little difficult. You look at all that explosiveness ... when you think about it there must be some sort of twitch within."

The need for strong discipline in a Northland team lacking depth meant Caucaunibuca, with the help of fellow players again, kept potential moments of madness on the field under control.

But not against France in Fiji's World Cup opener, and now Caucaunibuca will go into a potentially crucial match against Scotland on November 1 on the back of a two-match ban.

It is a blow for Fiji. Caucaunibuca, who went AWOL from some pre-cup training camps, needs all the match fitness he can get.

His elbow attack on the French has made Fiji's job just that little bit tougher, even though they should still put away Japan and the United States with ease. It is also a blow for the wider World Cup audience.

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