Wales - The Dragons

Team Preview

Coach:
Gareth Jenkins

Previous World Cups:
1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003

Best Performance:
Third 1987

Played:
21 - 12 wins, 9 losses

World Ranking:
No.8

Fixtures:
v Canada, Nantes, September 9
v Australia, Cardiff, September 15
v Japan, Cardiff, September 20
v Fiji, Nantes, September 29

Facts:
1. Wales' best finish in the World Cup came in the opening tournament when it was third.
2. Wales last won the Six Nations title in 2005 when it completed the Grand Slam.
3. Welsh legend Neil Jenkins was the first man in rugby union history to score 1000 Test points.
4. Prince William became the vice-royal patron of the Wales Rugby Union in February.
5. Coach Gareth Jenkins played for Llanelli, Wales B and the Barbarians but was never capped by the Welsh senior side despite touring Japan.

Key Players:

MARTYN WILLIAMS
Wales is at its most dangerous on turnover ball and in Martyn Williams it has one of the world's finest exponents at stealing posession.

Williams was named man of the tournament when Wales was crowned Six Nations champion because his contribution on the floor was vital.

The fact he is also a good link man is an added bonus.

Williams will need to be on top form in its pool match against Australia and if he can get the better of George Smith then Wales' chances will receive a major boost.

ALUN-WYN JONES
Whether he is used as a lock or on the blindside flank, Jones is a guaranteed starter and key member of the Welsh pack.

His defence is energetic and committed, he is a dynamic handler of the ball and rampages around the park.

Jones will need to be dominant in the lineout if Wales is to secure regular posession from a set-piece which has been struggling in recent months.

A law student, Jones has also been praised for his rugby intelligence and Martin Johnson-style leadership qualities.

ALIX POPHAM
Everything Wales tries to create through its exciting back division starts up front.

It cannot afford to be in retreat if the likes of Stephen Jones and Shane Williams are to conjure up their magic.

The front row has a huge role to play at the set-piece but this slot would previously have been filled by dynamic No.8 Ryan Jones before his injury.

It is imperative for Wales that Popham, now the likely No.8, can emulate Jones' ball-carrying ability and give his side the vital go-forward and set an attacking platform.

SHANE WILLIAMS
If Williams is given the opportunity to fire then Wales will be a dangerous prospect.

But even if things are tough, Williams has the rare talent of being able to make something from nothing and turn an opposition on their heels.

Wales' first-choice back three are a deadly combination on the counter-attack and Williams, with his pace and elusive style, is the chief marauder.

He is also a tireless worker and when Wales is on the attack he comes off his wing to play at first receiver, sparking doubt in the minds of opposing defenders who are unsure if he will pass or launch a trademark jinking run for the line.

GARETH THOMAS
Thomas' value to the side can barely be overstated.

He is Wales' most capped player, the country's leading try-scorer and an inspirational leader - epitomised by the way he captained Wales to the 2005 Grand Slam.

Thomas gives head coach Gareth Jenkins selection options in the centre but he is best utilised at fullback or on the wing.

He also brings invaluable experience to the side as he heads into a fourth World Cup having also captained the Lions in 2005.