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Tabua rules out Caucau return

Missing Star: Caucaunibuca in action for Agen

Fiji coach Ilie Tabua insisted he never had any plans to fast-track Rupeni Caucaunibuca into the side to face Wales in Saturday's World Cup eliminator.

The superstar wing was originally unavailable for selection after missing the national trials as he served a three-month ban for a positive cannabis test.

When Filimone Bolavucu was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury last weekend, there was a clamour back in Fiji for Tabua to bring Caucaunibuca straight into the side to face Wales.

There is a huge amount at stake on Saturday, with the winners booking a quarter-final clash with South Africa.

But Tabua has never been convinced by Caucaunibuca's commitment to the national cause - he has played just twice for Fiji and once for the Pacific Islanders since the 2003 World Cup.

Fiji instead called for the former Biarritz winger Sireli Bobo, who was already in the country and will be on the bench for Saturday's winner-takes-all showdown.

"In regards to Caucau we haven't, nor have the management, nor the coaching staff, spoken with Caucau or his management," said Tabua.

"People have been saying that he will be here, but Caucau is not in the team, Bobo is in the team.''

The errant wing is now back in France to begin preparations for the new club season with Agen apparently having undertaken some stiff training sessions on the sand dunes back in Fiji.

His father says Caucaunibuca plans to visit the team hotel - but any call-up now would depend on another of the Fiji squad dropping out injured.

Even without Caucaunibuca in the side, Wales will need to brace themselves for one of the most dangerous back divisions in world rugby.

Having fielded a second-string side against Australia last weekend, Tabua has returned Fiji to full-strength.

Captain Mosese Rauluni returns at scrum-half while Leicester centre Seru Rabeni, Saracens full-back Kameli Ratuvou and Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera are all included.

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