Australia - The Wallabies

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Player Profiles

Coach:
John Connolly

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

Best Performance:
Champion 1991, 1999

Played:
29 - 24 wins, 5 losses

World Ranking:
No.2

Fixtures:
v September Japan, Lyon, September 8
v September Wales, Cardiff, September 15
v September Fiji, Montpellier, September 23
v September Canada, Bordeaux, September 29

Facts:
1. The Wallabies are the only country to have won the trophy twice, in 1991 and 1999.
2. They are also the only side to appear in three finals. England, New Zealand and France all have two appearances.
3. Australia holds the record for number of tries scored in a single World Cup match after running in 22 against Namibia four years ago.
4. Wallabies legend George Gregan needs his team to reach the final in order for him to match Jason Leonard's record for World Cup appearances, 23 matches.
5. Fullback Chris Latham has scored six World Cup tries in just two appearances. After grabbing one against the USA in his sole outing in 1999, Latham added five more in the 142-0 thrashing of Namibia in Adelaide four years ago.

Key Players:

STIRLING MORTLOCK
The powerfully-built, strong-running centre has been appointed Australia captain for the World Cup and his style is to lead by example.

Mortlock did that in exemplary fashion during the Tri-Nations and emphasised how vital he is to Australia's hopes of success with a starring role in the Wallabies' victory over New Zealand in Melbourne.

Mortlock is described Down Under as the Wallabies' 'go-to man'. He offers a physical foil to the more elusive Matt Giteau on the inside but is not short of skills himself.

STEPHEN LARKHAM
Larkham will retire from Test rugby after the World Cup to join Edinburgh but his contribution to Australian rugby ranks up there with the biggest and the best.

The 32-year-old has a masterful ability to control a game. He is an elusive runner and ghosts through the smallest chink in the defensive line. But Australia chiefly benefits from Larkham's vision, distribution and kicking game which are not only intelligent but always executed with the highest quality.

MATT GITEAU
Wherever he plays the versatile Giteau - the highest-paid player in Australia - will be an integral member of the Wallabies' World Cup bid.

Giteau has long been tipped as a successor for George Gregan at halfback and Stephen Larkham at five-eighth. He would get into most of the world's Test sides in either position.

In France, Australia is likely to employ his cocky, impish brilliance in the 12 jersey, where he will have space to cut open opposing defences with his clever handling skills or elusive running game.

NATHAN SHARPE
Australia has been trying to address its deficiencies at scrum-time but with a relatively poor front row, a huge responsibility falls on Sharpe's shoulders.

Sharpe and Dan Vickerman will need to ensure Australia at least gains some kind of parity at the scrum and dominates the lineout, which could prove a vital source of possession for the Wallabies.

Sharpe was Australian player of the year last season and the Wallabies will also lean heavily on his leadership qualities.

GEORGE SMITH
The dreadlocks are gone but Smith has lost none of his foraging brilliance and was back to his best during the Tri-Nations.

Smith would be one of the few open-side flankers to challenge Richie McCaw for the mantle of world's best seven. He is a more physical player than McCaw and at the World Cup four years ago was used as a No.8. But it is at turnover time that Smith has always been in his element.

And with backs like Larkham, Giteau, Lote Tuqiri and Chris Latham, Australia is in a strong position to punish any turnover ball.