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Watch: Drua wing draws Rupeni Caucaunibuca comparisons after stellar double
Fijian Drua wing Taniela Rakuro has drawn comparisons to Flying Fijians great Rupeni Caucaunibuca after scoring a blistering double against the Brumbies in pre-season.
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Rakuro, who scored a match-winning try on debut against Moana Pasifika last season, made seven appearances for the Fijian Drua in 2023 which included four starts on the left wing.
But the powerful wing appears destined to play a bigger role this season after stealing the show in the Drua’s first-half blitz over the Brumbies in Canberra earlier this month.
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
It only took Rakuro four minutes to announce himself to the crowd at Viking Park as the No. 11 beat Brumbies fullback Shane Wilcox on the outside with sheer pace and determination.
Rakuro still had plenty of work to do, though, but showed plenty of composure as he stepped between Wilcox, Corey Toole and Matias Jensen to complete the 55m run to the house.
“That is lovely stuff,” the commentator exclaimed. “Rakuro goes down the sideline, gets away from one and Rakuro goes under the sticks.
“That is explosive stuff from the Fijian Drua.”
The Drua continued to mark against the traditional Australian Super Rugby powerhouse as they ran up a strong 21-7 lead inside the opening 27 minutes of play.
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But there was more to come for the Drua as Rakuro helped extend the visitors’ lead with another sensational effort, but this try came down the right edge of the field.
After receiving a short ball, Rakuro forced his way through the Brumbies’ defensive line with power and force. There were at least two defenders around him when the wing made the initial burst.
Rakuro also beat Brumbies enforcer Luke Reimer and another covering defender to complete the score mere inches inside the right touchline.
“That’s lovely work by the winger,” the commentator said. “Rakuro getting over, coming off the left wing, all the over to the right, getting himself in involved.”
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The Brumbies managed to fight their way back to win the pre-season clash 43-40, but Rakuro’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Selestino Ravutaumada, Eroni Sau and Kalaveti Ravouvou were all at times seen as preferred options last seen, but the latter two have both left the Drua to pursue other opportunities.
Sau has moved to Stade Montois Rugby in France and Ravouvou has signed with English Premiership side the Bristol Bears. There may be an opportunity for Rakuro to shine in 2024.
The Fijian Drua will start their regular season campaign away to the Blues in Whangarei on Saturday afternoon (NZT).
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments