Pool D
Fiji -
Although the Flying Fijians have slipped outside the top ten in the IRB rankings they are confident of rattling a few reputations at the World Cup. Fiji have had a troubled build-up to their sixth World Cup with politics, form and injuries dropping them to a current 12th ranking behind regional rivals Samoa at 10.
Renowned for their Sevens' virtuosity, the Fijians have had a tough time matching it with their better-resourced rivals at the World Cup and have yet to get past the quarterfinal stage which they managed at the 1987 and 2007 showpieces.
It has been far from a smooth lead-up to Fiji's opening Pool D game against Namibia in Rotorua on September 10.
Fiji backed down from a political confrontation with the New Zealand government by excluding Leone Nakarawa, a 23-year-old soldier, from playing against the All Blacks in Dunedin in late July.
New Zealand have barred entry into their country for Fijians with military or government ties as part of sanctions imposed following the 2006 coup when military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the Pacific nation.
The IRB had been trying to resolve the impasse but an accomodation was eventually found when Nakarawa agreed to resign his army commission prior to the tournament.
Fiji, unable to get a release of their players from Northern Hemisphere clubs and stymied by the New Zealand travel ban, were hammered 60-14 by the All Blacks.
The Fijians also lost the Pacific Nations Cup to Japan 24-13 to an injury-time bonus point try in Lautoka in July. They paid dearly for a lack of discipline with three yellow cards and two reds, allowing Japan to take advantage of the numerical imbalance.
This month Fiji beat regional rivals Tonga 27-12 three tries to two in Lautoka to round off the World Cup preparations.
Fiji had a memorable last World Cup pulling off a stunning 38-34 pool win over Wales after securing wins over Japan (35-31) and Canada (29-16).
Then they clawed back a 13-point deficit against South Africa in their quarterfinal with two converted tries when down to 14 men only to succumb to the Springboks' superior tactical nous and forward power in a 37-20 loss.
High performance manager Talemo Waqa said Fiji faced a similar scenario prior to the 2007 World Cup where they made their presence felt.
Once again Fiji will look to their sizeable Northern Hemisphere contingent of stars, including captain and prop Deacon Manu (Scarlets), lock Akapusi Qera (Gloucester), flyhalf Nicky Little (Bristol), No.8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Sale) and inside centre Seremaia Bai (Castres).
Coach - Samu Domoni
The 42-year-old Domoni who played six internationals for Fiji at lock before a stint with the Waratahs, replaced Ilivasi Tabua in 2009 on the strength of his expertise in rugby technology and came recommended by the Australian Rugby Union. He has concentrated on monitoring the players' fitness levels. "They can travel from the other side of the globe but they still have to pass the fitness test. It is a very busy year and there is no room for passengers," he said.
Key players
Seremaia BaiBai, 32, is an experienced inside back with almost 50 Tests and spent four seasons with Clermont Auvergne helping them win France's Top 14 title before linking up with Castres. He was a member of Fiji's team that shocked Wales at the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff before playing at flyhalf in the quarterfinal defeat to South Africa.
Talemaitoga Tuapati This hooker's selection to the Fijian squad came in 2010 after impressing selectors on the watch at the Pacific Rugby Cup tournament which included club teams from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Although the Flying Fijians have slipped outside the top ten in the IRB rankings they are confident of rattling a few reputations at the World Cup. Fiji have had a troubled build-up to their sixth World Cup with politics, form and injuries dropping them to a current 12th ranking behind regional rivals Samoa at 10.
Renowned for their Sevens' virtuosity, the Fijians have had a tough time matching it with their better-resourced rivals at the World Cup and have yet to get past the quarterfinal stage which they managed at the 1987 and 2007 showpieces.
It has been far from a smooth lead-up to Fiji's opening Pool D game against Namibia in Rotorua on September 10.
Fiji backed down from a political confrontation with the New Zealand government by excluding Leone Nakarawa, a 23-year-old soldier, from playing against the All Blacks in Dunedin in late July.
New Zealand have barred entry into their country for Fijians with military or government ties as part of sanctions imposed following the 2006 coup when military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the Pacific nation.
The IRB had been trying to resolve the impasse but an accomodation was eventually found when Nakarawa agreed to resign his army commission prior to the tournament.
Fiji, unable to get a release of their players from Northern Hemisphere clubs and stymied by the New Zealand travel ban, were hammered 60-14 by the All Blacks.
The Fijians also lost the Pacific Nations Cup to Japan 24-13 to an injury-time bonus point try in Lautoka in July. They paid dearly for a lack of discipline with three yellow cards and two reds, allowing Japan to take advantage of the numerical imbalance.
This month Fiji beat regional rivals Tonga 27-12 three tries to two in Lautoka to round off the World Cup preparations.
Fiji had a memorable last World Cup pulling off a stunning 38-34 pool win over Wales after securing wins over Japan (35-31) and Canada (29-16).
Then they clawed back a 13-point deficit against South Africa in their quarterfinal with two converted tries when down to 14 men only to succumb to the Springboks' superior tactical nous and forward power in a 37-20 loss.
High performance manager Talemo Waqa said Fiji faced a similar scenario prior to the 2007 World Cup where they made their presence felt.
Once again Fiji will look to their sizeable Northern Hemisphere contingent of stars, including captain and prop Deacon Manu (Scarlets), lock Akapusi Qera (Gloucester), flyhalf Nicky Little (Bristol), No.8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Sale) and inside centre Seremaia Bai (Castres).
Coach - Samu Domoni
The 42-year-old Domoni who played six internationals for Fiji at lock before a stint with the Waratahs, replaced Ilivasi Tabua in 2009 on the strength of his expertise in rugby technology and came recommended by the Australian Rugby Union. He has concentrated on monitoring the players' fitness levels. "They can travel from the other side of the globe but they still have to pass the fitness test. It is a very busy year and there is no room for passengers," he said.
Key players
Seremaia BaiBai, 32, is an experienced inside back with almost 50 Tests and spent four seasons with Clermont Auvergne helping them win France's Top 14 title before linking up with Castres. He was a member of Fiji's team that shocked Wales at the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff before playing at flyhalf in the quarterfinal defeat to South Africa.
Talemaitoga Tuapati This hooker's selection to the Fijian squad came in 2010 after impressing selectors on the watch at the Pacific Rugby Cup tournament which included club teams from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Namibia -
The lowest ranked 2011 World Cup participants, are targeting Group D rivals Fiji in the hope of achieving their first-ever victory at the tournament. The south-west African nation will also face Wales, Samoa and neighbours and defending champions South Africa in a tough group for the minnows.
Refusing to write off the title hopes of the Springboks despite poor recent results, Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt says the Fiji fixture offers his team the best chance of success in New Zealand.
The Welwitchias have retained 13 of the 2007 World Cup squad and while attention will be on Saracens flank and national team skipper Jacques Burger, Diergaardt tips 25-year-old Western Province flank Rohan Kitshoff to emerge as the Namibian star at the tournament.
Half the Namibian squad play in a local amateur league but Diergaardt is optimistic that his charges can achieve a first World Cup victory.
Namibia are the second strongest African Rugby Union nation after South Africa, having qualified for the last three World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Other African teams that have competed at the World Cup are Zimbabwe (1987 and 1991) and Ivory Coast (1995).
The Welwitchias got direct qualification as African Cup champions - a system other nations want reviewed given Namibia's poor World Cup results, including a record 142-0 defeat by hosts Australia at the 2003 World Cup.
But Diergaardt says opponents should "write us off at their peril".
Coach - Johan Diergaardt
Chairman of the national selectors committee for the past two World Cups, Diergaardt has been in charge of the Welwitschias since 2008 and surprised Namibians when he led the national team to the IRB Nations Cup title in Romania a year ago. Diergaardt has won back-to-back league titles with local side Western Suburbs.
Key Player -
Jacques Burger - loose forward
The Namibia captain is determined to crown an outstanding season in the English Premiership with a successful World Cup. Burger was the players' player of the year at London-based Saracens and is relishing a second appearance at the World Cup. "Our squad has many local players and the level of rugby in Namibia is not as high as other countries at the tournament, but we have experience from the last World Cup and the young blood in our squad makes us dream bigger," said the 27-year-old flank.
The lowest ranked 2011 World Cup participants, are targeting Group D rivals Fiji in the hope of achieving their first-ever victory at the tournament. The south-west African nation will also face Wales, Samoa and neighbours and defending champions South Africa in a tough group for the minnows.
Refusing to write off the title hopes of the Springboks despite poor recent results, Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt says the Fiji fixture offers his team the best chance of success in New Zealand.
The Welwitchias have retained 13 of the 2007 World Cup squad and while attention will be on Saracens flank and national team skipper Jacques Burger, Diergaardt tips 25-year-old Western Province flank Rohan Kitshoff to emerge as the Namibian star at the tournament.
Half the Namibian squad play in a local amateur league but Diergaardt is optimistic that his charges can achieve a first World Cup victory.
Namibia are the second strongest African Rugby Union nation after South Africa, having qualified for the last three World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Other African teams that have competed at the World Cup are Zimbabwe (1987 and 1991) and Ivory Coast (1995).
The Welwitchias got direct qualification as African Cup champions - a system other nations want reviewed given Namibia's poor World Cup results, including a record 142-0 defeat by hosts Australia at the 2003 World Cup.
But Diergaardt says opponents should "write us off at their peril".
Coach - Johan Diergaardt
Chairman of the national selectors committee for the past two World Cups, Diergaardt has been in charge of the Welwitschias since 2008 and surprised Namibians when he led the national team to the IRB Nations Cup title in Romania a year ago. Diergaardt has won back-to-back league titles with local side Western Suburbs.
Key Player -
Jacques Burger - loose forward
The Namibia captain is determined to crown an outstanding season in the English Premiership with a successful World Cup. Burger was the players' player of the year at London-based Saracens and is relishing a second appearance at the World Cup. "Our squad has many local players and the level of rugby in Namibia is not as high as other countries at the tournament, but we have experience from the last World Cup and the young blood in our squad makes us dream bigger," said the 27-year-old flank.
Samoa -
When Manu Samoa swept aside Australia less than two months from the start of the World Cup they sent a clear message - to Wales in particular - they will be serious contenders come tournament time. Samoa are in arguably the toughest pool at the World Cup - with South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Namibia - where at least four teams boast credentials worthy of filling one of the two quarterfinal berths.
Wales have the most reason to be concerned having underestimated Samoa in the 1991 and 1999 World Cups and former All Blacks great Michael Jones, a Samoan, sees history repeating itself.
Samoa's quest to be recognised among the sports elite nations has been hampered by the money on offer to play professionally in New Zealand, Australia and Europe which has drawn their leading players away.
The players have the money but the union does not and it had to raise 6.5 million tala (US$2.9 million) in public donations to cover World Cup costs including the warm up game in Australia.
Outside of the World Cup the Samoans are rarely all available at the same time and when coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua first named a 41-man squad to be pruned to 30 for the Cup, only four of the players were based in Samoa.
Several members of the side who beat Australia were absent from the squad which finished last in the Pacific Nations Cup the previous week.
But when they are together the Samoans have forged a unit renowned for a powerful, confrontational style and Springbok captain John Smit described the first 20 minutes of his 2007 World Cup match against Samoa as "the most physical of my Test career."
Although Wallabies coach Robbie Deans may not have fielded his strongest side against the Samoans he made no excuses for the defeat and admitted his side was out-muscled up front.
The forward pack is big and experienced, led by Otago Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger along with Toulouse prop Census Johnston and Ospreys loose forward George Stowers. The backs include former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai contesting the scrumhalf role with Kahn Fotuali'i of the Canterbury Crusaders.
Former London Irish centurion Seilala Mapusua guides the midfield with Paul Williams from Stade Francais and a son of All Blacks legend Bryan Williams at fullback.
Samoa, when they played under the name of Western Samoa, qualified for the knock-out stage in 1991, 1995 and 1999, beating Wales in pool play in '91 and '99.
They struggled at the last World Cup in France with one win from four pool games, and see this tournament as a chance for redemption. Now they want to prove that was no fluke by beating Wales in pool play which could see them finish second to South Africa in Pool D and a rematch with likely Pool C winners Australia in the quarterfinals.
Coach - Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.
Tafua forged his coaching reputation with the Samoa Sevens side and masterminded their first win in the IRB Sevens series when they won the Wellington leg in 2007. Two years later he was appointed the Manu Samoa head coach. Tafua, a former Manu Samoa and Samoa Sevens captain, said his World Cup goal is "to go back to the quarterfinals".
Key players -
Seilala MapusuaSamoan skipper Mapusua may now be heading into the twilight of his career but he remains a potent force in the midfield from where he directs the Samoan attack. Renowned for his explosive running with the ball and rock-solid defence, Mapusua joined the Kubota Spears in Japan this year after long stints with the Otago Highlanders and London Irish. Mapusua is described by London Irish coach Toby Booth as "a guy that wants to go to war for you". In 2009 he won the Players' Player of the Year award in England
George Pisi Blues and Samoan centre George Pisi is a young, up-and-coming firebrand who will look to deliver the standard big hits and piercing runs the typify Samoan rugby.
When Manu Samoa swept aside Australia less than two months from the start of the World Cup they sent a clear message - to Wales in particular - they will be serious contenders come tournament time. Samoa are in arguably the toughest pool at the World Cup - with South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Namibia - where at least four teams boast credentials worthy of filling one of the two quarterfinal berths.
Wales have the most reason to be concerned having underestimated Samoa in the 1991 and 1999 World Cups and former All Blacks great Michael Jones, a Samoan, sees history repeating itself.
Samoa's quest to be recognised among the sports elite nations has been hampered by the money on offer to play professionally in New Zealand, Australia and Europe which has drawn their leading players away.
The players have the money but the union does not and it had to raise 6.5 million tala (US$2.9 million) in public donations to cover World Cup costs including the warm up game in Australia.
Outside of the World Cup the Samoans are rarely all available at the same time and when coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua first named a 41-man squad to be pruned to 30 for the Cup, only four of the players were based in Samoa.
Several members of the side who beat Australia were absent from the squad which finished last in the Pacific Nations Cup the previous week.
But when they are together the Samoans have forged a unit renowned for a powerful, confrontational style and Springbok captain John Smit described the first 20 minutes of his 2007 World Cup match against Samoa as "the most physical of my Test career."
Although Wallabies coach Robbie Deans may not have fielded his strongest side against the Samoans he made no excuses for the defeat and admitted his side was out-muscled up front.
The forward pack is big and experienced, led by Otago Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger along with Toulouse prop Census Johnston and Ospreys loose forward George Stowers. The backs include former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai contesting the scrumhalf role with Kahn Fotuali'i of the Canterbury Crusaders.
Former London Irish centurion Seilala Mapusua guides the midfield with Paul Williams from Stade Francais and a son of All Blacks legend Bryan Williams at fullback.
Samoa, when they played under the name of Western Samoa, qualified for the knock-out stage in 1991, 1995 and 1999, beating Wales in pool play in '91 and '99.
They struggled at the last World Cup in France with one win from four pool games, and see this tournament as a chance for redemption. Now they want to prove that was no fluke by beating Wales in pool play which could see them finish second to South Africa in Pool D and a rematch with likely Pool C winners Australia in the quarterfinals.
Coach - Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.
Tafua forged his coaching reputation with the Samoa Sevens side and masterminded their first win in the IRB Sevens series when they won the Wellington leg in 2007. Two years later he was appointed the Manu Samoa head coach. Tafua, a former Manu Samoa and Samoa Sevens captain, said his World Cup goal is "to go back to the quarterfinals".
Key players -
Seilala MapusuaSamoan skipper Mapusua may now be heading into the twilight of his career but he remains a potent force in the midfield from where he directs the Samoan attack. Renowned for his explosive running with the ball and rock-solid defence, Mapusua joined the Kubota Spears in Japan this year after long stints with the Otago Highlanders and London Irish. Mapusua is described by London Irish coach Toby Booth as "a guy that wants to go to war for you". In 2009 he won the Players' Player of the Year award in England
George Pisi Blues and Samoan centre George Pisi is a young, up-and-coming firebrand who will look to deliver the standard big hits and piercing runs the typify Samoan rugby.
South Africa -
Sporting history is littered with tales of great teams and individuals who did not know when to quit and suffered humiliating exits. Many South African supporters fear a similar fate awaits the 'Green and Gold' at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand as they try to become the first country to successfully defend the title.
Up to 12 of the 2007 cup-winning team could start against Wales in Wellington on September 11 with retired Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt and injured Juan Smith the only definite absentees.
While some of the side that conquered England 15-6 in the Paris final remain worthy of starting places, there are large question marks hanging over others like captain and hooker John Smit. When coach Peter de Villiers sends Du Plessis on as a replacement, he regularly moves Smit to tighthead prop with sometimes disastrous results for the team. In a home Tri-Nations Test loss to Australia this month, a Springbok scrum that had held its own suddenly fell apart in the closing stages when Smit switched front row positions.
Wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, flyhalf Butch James, tighthead CJ van der Linde, lock Bakkies Botha and utility forward Danie Rossouw are others who have battled at times.
The current coach enjoyed a glorious 2009, winning a three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions and bringing the Tri-Nations trophy to South Africa for only the third time.
He promised a new, bolder approach after replacing White, but the team seems set to take its much-loved kick-chase-harass approach into the World Cup despite repeated recent failures.
Vice-captain Matfield and Botha no longer lord the line-outs, the scrum can be vulnerable and a threequarter line that favours brawn over brain struggles endlessly to find gaps.
Injuries have also taken their toll with loose forward Smith, often the unsung star of a Springbok triumph, ruled out along with two-metre-plus third-choice lock Andries Bekker.
It will also concern De Villiers that likely first-choice flanks Schalk Burger and Heinrich Brussow have been battling injuries with the former missing the entire Tri-Nations.
But the biggest worry for many is uncertainty over who fills the vital flyhalf position with Morne Steyn, the best goal-kicker in the world when on song, suffering untimely poor form.
Alternative James, who helped the Springboks win in Paris, offers more flair but his goal kicking is erratic and he has a habit of making rash challenges that bring yellow cards.
Fourie du Preez only recently returned from an injury-induced 21-month Test absence and the scrumhalf considered the best in the world two seaons ago must prove himself again.
South Africa should win a group including Fiji, Namibia, Samoa and Wales, but if they get past likely quarterfinals opponents Ireland, their nemesis the All Blacks loom large.
Coach - Peter de Villiers
"There is little difference between winning and losing except you feel better after winning," says a man more famous for his quotes than coaching prowess. Criticisms include failure to adapt to law changes, an inability to change the course of a game, badly-timed substitutions, excessive loyalty to 2007 World Cup winners and allowing some senior players too much influence. Unpopular among supporters and the media, his only hope of staying in charge is to bring the trophy home.
Key players -
Fourie du Preez -
Eddie Jones, the Australian assistant to 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, believes the main reason the Springboks have been struggling is the absence of long-term casualty Du Preez, who plans to play club rugby in Japan after the World Cup. Many attribute the slump in form of flyhalf Morne Steyn to the absence of his provincial team-mate. The field-kicking and backline leadership of the 29-year-old are vital in a Springbok armoury short of lethal weapons this year.
Schalk Burger
In the mould of a tougher (if that's possible) Richie McCaw, Burger sets the field alight with his ball gathering skills, relentless runs and devastating tackles. He is fearless, and of late has had an impeccable discipline record, something that needed to be sorted out.
Gio Aplon
The diminutive Stormers winger/fullback has been an absolute revelation in 2010, making piercing runs with a seemingly unstoppable ability to find half-gaps, and despite his size is a relentless tackler in defense.
Victor Matfield
The former Springbok skipper is a man mountain in the sport – an inimitable lineout specialist, a great rucker and almost more importantly, a talisman to all South Africans on and off the field of play.
Sporting history is littered with tales of great teams and individuals who did not know when to quit and suffered humiliating exits. Many South African supporters fear a similar fate awaits the 'Green and Gold' at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand as they try to become the first country to successfully defend the title.
Up to 12 of the 2007 cup-winning team could start against Wales in Wellington on September 11 with retired Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt and injured Juan Smith the only definite absentees.
While some of the side that conquered England 15-6 in the Paris final remain worthy of starting places, there are large question marks hanging over others like captain and hooker John Smit. When coach Peter de Villiers sends Du Plessis on as a replacement, he regularly moves Smit to tighthead prop with sometimes disastrous results for the team. In a home Tri-Nations Test loss to Australia this month, a Springbok scrum that had held its own suddenly fell apart in the closing stages when Smit switched front row positions.
Wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, flyhalf Butch James, tighthead CJ van der Linde, lock Bakkies Botha and utility forward Danie Rossouw are others who have battled at times.
The current coach enjoyed a glorious 2009, winning a three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions and bringing the Tri-Nations trophy to South Africa for only the third time.
He promised a new, bolder approach after replacing White, but the team seems set to take its much-loved kick-chase-harass approach into the World Cup despite repeated recent failures.
Vice-captain Matfield and Botha no longer lord the line-outs, the scrum can be vulnerable and a threequarter line that favours brawn over brain struggles endlessly to find gaps.
Injuries have also taken their toll with loose forward Smith, often the unsung star of a Springbok triumph, ruled out along with two-metre-plus third-choice lock Andries Bekker.
It will also concern De Villiers that likely first-choice flanks Schalk Burger and Heinrich Brussow have been battling injuries with the former missing the entire Tri-Nations.
But the biggest worry for many is uncertainty over who fills the vital flyhalf position with Morne Steyn, the best goal-kicker in the world when on song, suffering untimely poor form.
Alternative James, who helped the Springboks win in Paris, offers more flair but his goal kicking is erratic and he has a habit of making rash challenges that bring yellow cards.
Fourie du Preez only recently returned from an injury-induced 21-month Test absence and the scrumhalf considered the best in the world two seaons ago must prove himself again.
South Africa should win a group including Fiji, Namibia, Samoa and Wales, but if they get past likely quarterfinals opponents Ireland, their nemesis the All Blacks loom large.
Coach - Peter de Villiers
"There is little difference between winning and losing except you feel better after winning," says a man more famous for his quotes than coaching prowess. Criticisms include failure to adapt to law changes, an inability to change the course of a game, badly-timed substitutions, excessive loyalty to 2007 World Cup winners and allowing some senior players too much influence. Unpopular among supporters and the media, his only hope of staying in charge is to bring the trophy home.
Key players -
Fourie du Preez -
Eddie Jones, the Australian assistant to 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, believes the main reason the Springboks have been struggling is the absence of long-term casualty Du Preez, who plans to play club rugby in Japan after the World Cup. Many attribute the slump in form of flyhalf Morne Steyn to the absence of his provincial team-mate. The field-kicking and backline leadership of the 29-year-old are vital in a Springbok armoury short of lethal weapons this year.
Schalk Burger
In the mould of a tougher (if that's possible) Richie McCaw, Burger sets the field alight with his ball gathering skills, relentless runs and devastating tackles. He is fearless, and of late has had an impeccable discipline record, something that needed to be sorted out.
Gio Aplon
The diminutive Stormers winger/fullback has been an absolute revelation in 2010, making piercing runs with a seemingly unstoppable ability to find half-gaps, and despite his size is a relentless tackler in defense.
Victor Matfield
The former Springbok skipper is a man mountain in the sport – an inimitable lineout specialist, a great rucker and almost more importantly, a talisman to all South Africans on and off the field of play.
Wales -
Head to the World Cup with the omens against them, drawn in a so-called "group of death" alongside defending champions South Africa and potential South Seas banana skins Fiji and Samoa. First up for Warren Gatland's men is a game against Pool D favourites South Africa in Wellington, followed by Samoa in Hamilton, and Namibia in New Plymouth. The group phase ends with an ominous-looking match-up against Fiji.
It was the Fijians who broke Welsh hearts at the last World Cup in 2007, pipping then-coach Gareth Jenkins' men 38-34 in the western French city of Nantes.
Wales also famously lost to Samoa in the 1991 World Cup on home turf, and with Samoa having recently beaten Australia, and a whole clutch of the South Sea Islanders plying their trade in top leagues the world over, Wales will certainly have their work cut out.
The run-in to the World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing for the Welsh, injuries on the pitch compounding serious breaches of the squad's code of conduct off it.
Erstwhile captain and hooker Matthew Rees will miss the tournament for an operation on a niggling neck injury, handing Gatland, himself once a hooker, a real headache in the front row.
Also injured is Gavin Henson, the mercurial utility back who is currently without a club after hopping from Ospreys to Saracens and then departing Toulon acrimoniously after just two games and a punch-up with teammates.
Henson, whose obvious talent is sometimes shielded by his urge to seek out publicity no matter the cost, dislocated a bone in his wrist and looks set to miss out on a third World Cup.
Scrumhalf Mike Phillips also made the news for all the wrong reasons, filmed being wrestled to the ground by a bouncer at a fast food restaurant in the early hours of the morning.
A week's ban and he is now reinstated in a squad that returned from two sessions in Poland using cryothemic chambers - and looking fit.
In the warm-up games, Wales were pipped 23-19 by England and then reversed their fortunes with a 19-9 victory at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, before dominating Argentina for a 28-13 win.
There is no denying that the Welsh have some class players, the likes of utility back James Hook, centre Jamie Roberts and the up-and-coming George North lighting up the backs.
Phillips is one of the leading No. 9s in the world on his day, while Sam Warburton has emerged from Martyn Williams' shadow at Cardiff Blues and the Wales set-up to become an outstanding openside flank and leader.
Warburton leads a rejuvenated pack alongside young teammates Dan Lydiate (flank) and Tongan-born Toby Faletau (No. 8), with old hands Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones always a calming and influential presence.
The weakness will likely come in the front row. Rees is out and first-choice props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have been battling serious injury.
It will be a big ask of their replacements to step up a level and see if Wales can improve on their best ever showing in a World Cup, when they finished third in the inaugural edition in 1987.
Coach - Warren Gatland
Wales coach since Gareth Jenkins' departure after the Red Dragons bombed out of the last World Cup at the group stage, the Hamilton-born Gatland faces an emotional return to the country of his birth. The 47-year-old played 17 times for the midweek All Blacks team and even featured in a Waikato side that beat a touring Wales team in 1988. Since taking over as Wales coach, Gatland has insisted on organising an impressive series of November internationals against the Tri-Nations teams in a bid to toughen up his team. But consistency is a major problem and with a success rate of 44 percent in 32 games at the helm, Gatland knows that all stops will have to be pulled out to improve that ratio.
Key players
Sam Warburton - backrow
The Cardiff-born Warburton has emerged from mentor Martyn Williams' shadow at both the Blues and the Wales set-up. A strong, dynamic player on the park comfortable with ball in hand, the 22-year-old has also established himself as a proven leader and was given Gatland's nod of approval by receiving the captain's armband during Wales' warm-up games
Mike Phillips
Welsh number 9 Mike Phillips is uncharacteristically large for a scrum-half, and uses this to his advantage to make darting runs and bring big hits to bear. He is also renowned for aggravating opposition with chit chat, often resulting in them retaliating and conceding penalties.
Shane Williams
Arguably the best winger in world rugby in 2008, Williams is tenacious, incredibly fast and with a great awareness of space and gaps.
Head to the World Cup with the omens against them, drawn in a so-called "group of death" alongside defending champions South Africa and potential South Seas banana skins Fiji and Samoa. First up for Warren Gatland's men is a game against Pool D favourites South Africa in Wellington, followed by Samoa in Hamilton, and Namibia in New Plymouth. The group phase ends with an ominous-looking match-up against Fiji.
It was the Fijians who broke Welsh hearts at the last World Cup in 2007, pipping then-coach Gareth Jenkins' men 38-34 in the western French city of Nantes.
Wales also famously lost to Samoa in the 1991 World Cup on home turf, and with Samoa having recently beaten Australia, and a whole clutch of the South Sea Islanders plying their trade in top leagues the world over, Wales will certainly have their work cut out.
The run-in to the World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing for the Welsh, injuries on the pitch compounding serious breaches of the squad's code of conduct off it.
Erstwhile captain and hooker Matthew Rees will miss the tournament for an operation on a niggling neck injury, handing Gatland, himself once a hooker, a real headache in the front row.
Also injured is Gavin Henson, the mercurial utility back who is currently without a club after hopping from Ospreys to Saracens and then departing Toulon acrimoniously after just two games and a punch-up with teammates.
Henson, whose obvious talent is sometimes shielded by his urge to seek out publicity no matter the cost, dislocated a bone in his wrist and looks set to miss out on a third World Cup.
Scrumhalf Mike Phillips also made the news for all the wrong reasons, filmed being wrestled to the ground by a bouncer at a fast food restaurant in the early hours of the morning.
A week's ban and he is now reinstated in a squad that returned from two sessions in Poland using cryothemic chambers - and looking fit.
In the warm-up games, Wales were pipped 23-19 by England and then reversed their fortunes with a 19-9 victory at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, before dominating Argentina for a 28-13 win.
There is no denying that the Welsh have some class players, the likes of utility back James Hook, centre Jamie Roberts and the up-and-coming George North lighting up the backs.
Phillips is one of the leading No. 9s in the world on his day, while Sam Warburton has emerged from Martyn Williams' shadow at Cardiff Blues and the Wales set-up to become an outstanding openside flank and leader.
Warburton leads a rejuvenated pack alongside young teammates Dan Lydiate (flank) and Tongan-born Toby Faletau (No. 8), with old hands Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones always a calming and influential presence.
The weakness will likely come in the front row. Rees is out and first-choice props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have been battling serious injury.
It will be a big ask of their replacements to step up a level and see if Wales can improve on their best ever showing in a World Cup, when they finished third in the inaugural edition in 1987.
Coach - Warren Gatland
Wales coach since Gareth Jenkins' departure after the Red Dragons bombed out of the last World Cup at the group stage, the Hamilton-born Gatland faces an emotional return to the country of his birth. The 47-year-old played 17 times for the midweek All Blacks team and even featured in a Waikato side that beat a touring Wales team in 1988. Since taking over as Wales coach, Gatland has insisted on organising an impressive series of November internationals against the Tri-Nations teams in a bid to toughen up his team. But consistency is a major problem and with a success rate of 44 percent in 32 games at the helm, Gatland knows that all stops will have to be pulled out to improve that ratio.
Key players
Sam Warburton - backrow
The Cardiff-born Warburton has emerged from mentor Martyn Williams' shadow at both the Blues and the Wales set-up. A strong, dynamic player on the park comfortable with ball in hand, the 22-year-old has also established himself as a proven leader and was given Gatland's nod of approval by receiving the captain's armband during Wales' warm-up games
Mike Phillips
Welsh number 9 Mike Phillips is uncharacteristically large for a scrum-half, and uses this to his advantage to make darting runs and bring big hits to bear. He is also renowned for aggravating opposition with chit chat, often resulting in them retaliating and conceding penalties.
Shane Williams
Arguably the best winger in world rugby in 2008, Williams is tenacious, incredibly fast and with a great awareness of space and gaps.
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