KEY POINTS:
PARIS - A glance at the teams competing in the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup which runs from September 7 to October 20 with Pool B:
POOL B
AUSTRALIA
Have not exactly covered themselves in glory since losing to Jonny Wilkinson's last second drop goal in 2003. As with England there has been a change of coach with Eddie Jones replaced by the no-nonsense John Connolly. There has been a marked improvement in the scrum, which at times looked shambolic under Jones, especially the front row. The captaincy of Stirling Mortlock has also made a difference compared to predecessor George Gregan. A superb victory over the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations will have done wonders for confidence and in a weak looking group. The quarter-finals certainly beckon but whether they can go further is questionable.
CANADA
Like the United States they lack matches at the top level and, having given some good performances in previous World Cups, they have lost the majority of their 'golden generation' of Gareth Rees, Al Charron and a plethora of others. This time round will see the final international engagement for 34-year-old lock Mike James - his fourth World Cup - while mercurial scrum-half Morgan Williams will skipper the side. Hard to see even those two old campaigners dragging the Canadians into the last eight unless Wales have one of their off-days.
FIJI
Probably the most naturally talented of the Pacific Islanders teams, they went close to reaching the quarter-finals last time but were edged out of a place by a mediocre Scotland side in the dying minutes of their pool match. However several of their stars have retired or been dropped since then and will be seriously weakened without outstanding winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca while another France-based speedster Sireli Bobo was also left out. Their chances of reaching the last eight don't look good judging by the fact that the Pacific Islands joint team couldn't beat Wales last November.
JAPAN
Four years ago they were being tipped for a spot in the then Super 12 southern hemisphere club competition. However, Japan's their star waned despite restructuring their domestic competition. A dreadful sequence of results in the Pacific Nations Cup will worry them about similar humblings at the World Cup. However, their coach, former All Black great John Kirwan, remains upbeat. "We are going to the World Cup to win every game we play," he said even after a 51-3 mauling by the Junior All Blacks.
WALES
The Welsh must wish the World Cup had taken place two years ago when they clinched the Grand Slam under Mike Ruddock. However, since then there has been more turmoil in the ever turbulent world of Welsh rugby. Just escaped the wooden spoon in the last Six Nations by beating England in the last match. Have talented players - from veteran Gareth Thomas to the new kid on the block James Hook, who will hopefully have learnt from the rise and fall of Gavin Henson. Should certainly earn themselves a last eight spot and a likely clash with either South Africa or England. Unpredictable but on their best could surprise and go farther than looks likely on the form book.
-AFP
