CANADA
Coach: Kieran CrowleyCaptain: Pat RiordanIRB ranking: 14World Cup appearances: 6World Cup best: Quarter-finals 1991
The Canadians have been playing rugby since the 1860s, but still have not quite been able to close the gap on the big guns. They came close 20 years ago when a team which included Gareth Rees, Glen Ennis, Julian Wyatt and Norm Hadley pushed France to the limit before losing to New Zealand in a quarter-final. It was the end of an era rather than the start and the Canadians have failed to escape the pools since. They are still churning out top-class players though - keep a close eye on Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore, a textbook case of power, strength and volatility.FRANCE
Coach: Marc LievremontCaptain: Thierry DusautoirIRB ranking: 4World Cup appearances: 6World Cup best: Runners-up 1987, 1999
They have long had the reputation of being unpredictable - brilliant running rugby when on song, but plodding, ill-disciplined and faction-ridden when not. The World Cup though has brought out the best in them - witness the thrilling wins over New Zealand in the 1999 semi-finals and the quarter-finals last time. Under coach Marc Lievremont, the French have blown hot and cold in recent times, pulling off a Six Nations grand slam last year only to slump to a first ever defeat to Italy this year. With top-class players such as Thierry Dusautoir, Morgan Parra, Aurelien Rougerie and Imanol Harinordoquy, France pose a major threat.JAPAN
Coach: John KirwanCaptain: Takashi KikutaniIRB ranking: 13World Cup appearances: 6World Cup best: Pool stage
Exciting times off the field for Japanese rugby, principally because planning is under way for the Brave Blossoms to host the 2019 RWC. On it there has been some progress - such as winning the Asia Five Nations for a fourth year running and stunning Fiji in the final of this year's Pacific Nations Cup - but Japan appear short of depth. With former All Black John Kirwan in charge they will have some guile, and will look to winger Hirotoki Onozawa to attack. However, they will miss international record try-scorer Daisuke Ohata (69) who retired with a knee injury in January, while a suspect hair tonic containing a banned substance has ruled out five-eighth Ryohei Yamanaka.NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Graham HenryCaptain: Richie McCawIRB ranking: 1World Cup appearances: 6World Cup best: Winners 1987
If the Mandela-inspired South Africa win in 1995 was an obvious gift to Hollywood, so, too, perhaps would an All Blacks victory this year. In spite of being widely regarded as being the best team in the world for much of the time since the World Cup started, New Zealand hasn't held the trophy aloft since the inaugural event in 1987. The terrible earthquakes that shattered Christchurch earlier this year have also lent this year's edition a real poignancy. As always the All Blacks are the team to beat. Coach Graham Henry is a man on a mission and few would deny Dan Carter the chance to cap his career with a World Cup medal.TONGA
Coach: Isitolo MakaCaptain: Finau MakaIRB ranking: 12World Cup appearances: 6World Cup best: Pool stage
With France and New Zealand in the pool, Ikale Tahi - otherwise known as the Sea Eagles - are going to have their work cut out to reach the knockout stages for the first time. They came close four years ago when they gave South Africa a decent run but it looks as though the perennial lack of depth could undermine their often skillful and always feisty play. They showed well in the Churchill Cup before losing to England Saxons and beat Fiji and Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup, losing to winners Japan by a single point. Keep an eye out for Brumbies winger Viliami Iongi, who is a star in the making.