Magne (centre) feels the full force of Caucaunibuca (right)
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Fiji's Rupeni Caucaunibuca has been banned for two games for his part in a brawl in his country's opening World Cup match against France.
The Fijian wing was cited for an incident in his team's 61-18 defeat and will now miss matches against the USA and Japan.
Caucaunibuca, who had been tipped as one of the potential stars of the tournament, will be available for selection for Fiji's final pool game against Scotland.
The 23-year-old, who had earlier scored a spectacular try, was sent to the sin bin following an altercation with French flanker Olivier Magne in the second half.
Tempers flared after a rough challenge on French fly-half Frederic Michalak and replays clearly showed Caucaunibuca punching Magne.
"I wish the judiciary and everybody involved with the World Cup to know how sorry I am for what occurred on the field in the game against France last Saturday," Caucaunibuca said in a statement.
"I come from a remote village in Fiji where I am considered an example for the rest of our people.
"Our people back in Fiji will feel very let down by what has occurred.
"Not only have I let down my local people but I feel I have let down the whole of Fiji and particularly my team-mates. I have betrayed them."
Under International Rugby Board rules, striking an opponent with the fist or forearm is punishable by a suspension of between one and 12 weeks.
The normal penalty for the offence is three weeks which would have meant Caucaunibuca would have missed the game against Scotland on November 2.
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MMIX
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