On the face of it Wales look a shoo-in for second place in Pool B but Gareth Jenkins's side occupy the same territory as the rest of the established northern hemisphere sides, in that they can win on their day but can be caught out badly on someone else's.

The Welsh have no shortage of bitter experience in this field and were beaten by Samoa in both 1991 and 1999. This year they are one of three teams to have home advantage when they take on the Wallabies and Japan in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Playing in your own backyard, as it were, is a massive bonus but after winning the Grand Slam in 2005, Wales finished fifth this spring.

The tournament was deeply disappointing, saved only by a victory over England on the last weekend, and it is difficult to judge anything beyond individual performances from the tour of Australia. Injuries and tinkering with selection means Jenkins has not yet had the chance to name his first-choice starting XV with any consistency.

Where Jenkins has been hugely successful is in blooding new, young players to complement the wise old heads who lifted that Six Nations title two seasons and with a decent run Wales will be hoping for a meeting with England in the last eight and a local derby to get the pulses racing.

• James Hook
  With Stephen Jones still struggling for fitness a lot may rest on the shoulders of young James Hook. Quality outhalves used to roll off the production line in Wales, and Hook has revived an industry that was pretty much dormant after Phil Bennett hung up his boots the best part of 30 years ago. Only 22, the Ospreys number 10 - who can also play in the centre - has astounded many experienced judges through his maturity in the high-octane Test environment and ability to handle pressure with ludicrous ease. Wales look certain quarter-final material, but Hook could provide an extra touch of class to possibly take them further.
• 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’s 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 are on the attack he comes off his wing to play at first receiver, sparking doubt in the minds of opposing defenders, unsure if he will pass or launch a trademark jinking run for the line.
• Martyn Williams
  Wales are at their most dangerous on turnover ball and in Martyn Williams they have one of the world’s finest exponents at stealing posession. Williams was named man of the tournament when Wales won the Grand Slam in 2005 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 their pool match against Australia and if he can get the better of George Smith then Welsh chances will receive a major boost.

• Forwards
  Michael Owen, Martyn Williams, Colin Charvis, Alix Popham, Jonathan Thomas, Ian Evans, Will James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, Chris Horsman, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, T Rhys Thomas, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Duncan Jones.
• Backs
  Gareth Thomas (Captain), Kevin Morgan, Shane Williams, Dafydd James, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Robinson, Sonny Parker, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Ceri Sweeney, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper.