Caucaunibuca has struggled with injury this season

Caucaunibuca - or 'Caucau' - was included in the Fijian line-up despite an injury-plagued season which has limited his appearances both at Super 12 and international level this year.

Coach Mac McCallion said he had kept faith with the core of the players who have been training together since June.

"I was happy with the players we selected at the start of our World Cup preparations and I am happy with them now," said McCallion.

"These guys now know each other's game inside and out and that is the foundation of a strong team."

The only players who have broken into the squad late are Caucau, utility forward Vula Maimuri and Japan-based Norman Ligairi, all of whom were injured when initial training started three months ago.

McCallion's team includes 17 forwards and 13 backline players and the former Maori skipper said his emphasis in picking his backline was to select utility players where possible.

"Fiji has an abundance of wingers so what we have tried to do is to select players who can cover more than one position," said McCallion.

Fiji are in Pool B of the World Cup with France, Scotland, Japan and the USA.

Their first game is against France on 11 October in Brisbane.

Full squad
Forwards: Joe Veitayaki (King Country/NZL), Richard Nyholt (University of Queensland/AUS), Isaia Rasila (Nadroga/FIJ), Nacanieli Seru (Suva/FIJ), Greg Smith (Waikato Chiefs/NZL), Bill Gadolo (Nadroga/FIJ), Kele Leawere (Nadroga/FIJ), Ifereimi Rawaqa (Vuda/FIJ), Apisai Naevo (Counties/NZL), Emori Katalau (Llanelli/WAL), Vula Maimuri (North Harbour/NZL), Koli Sewabu (Gloucester/ENG), Alifereti Mocelutu (Derry/IRL), Kitione Salawa (Gaunavou/FIJ), Sisa Koyamaibole (Toyota/JPN), Seta Tawake (Brisbane/AUS), Ro Alivereti Doviverata (capt, Yamaha/JPN)
Backs: Mosese Rauluni (Brisbane Easts/AUS), Samisoni Rabaka (Nadi/FIJ), Nicky Little (vice captain Sale/ENG), Waisale Serevi (Stade Montois/FRA), Seru Rabeni (Otago/NZL), Aisea Tuilevu (North Harbour/NZL), Saimoni Rokini (Naitasiri/FIJ), Epeli Ruivadra (Dravo/FIJ), Filimoni Delasau (Stade Montois/FRA), Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Auckland Blues/NZL), Marika Vunibaka (Canterbury Crusaders/NZL), Norman Ligairi (Harlequins/ENG), Alfie Uluinayau (vice-capt Suntory/JPN)