Back in 2004 legendary Fiji winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca scored a ridiculous hat trick against the Crusaders in Christchurch during a Super 12 game.
The Blues star demonstrated his raw pace and explosive power to bag three tries in front of a raucous Crusaders crowd at Jade Stadium in what was one of his most iconic performances for the Auckland franchise.
Caucaunibuca joined the Blues in 2002 and fast became a fan favourite in New Zealand due to his unbelievable attacking ability which destroyed defences on a regular basis.
The Fijian also scored another immense hat trick against the Brumbies the previous year and despite only playing 14 times for the Blues he scored an amazing 15 tries, making him a club legend even after such a short spell.
Alongside Caucaunibuca in the Blues squad in 2004 were a host of legends including Doug Howlett, Joe Rokococo and Mils Muliaina who repeatedly punished opposition backlines from the counter attack.
Following his impressive early career in New Zealand the 110kg speedster moved to Agen where he made more than 100 appearances over a 10-year-period before returning to New Zealand in 2013 following a short term with Toulouse.
While Caucaunibuca’s international career was only small, he somehow scored a ridiculous 10 tries from just eight Test match caps and was a star performer for the Fijians at the 2003 World Cup in Australia.
Rugby commentator Miles Harrison recited in a column last year: “The ‘Bua Bullet’ was unquestionably one of the most talented players of all-time, but, somewhat incredibly, was only seen on the Test stage eight times for Fiji.
“Having taken New Zealand rugby by storm with Northland and then the Blues in Super Rugby, Caucau set the rugby world alight at the 2003 World Cup.”
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