Australia

World Ranking: 2.

COACH: Rod Macqueen. Carved a distinguished coaching career, first with the Warringah Rats, after which he guided NSW to an undefeated season in 1991. Resigned in '93 to concentrate on business interests, remaining a national selector, returning to galvanise the unfashionable ACT Brumbies in '96. Inherited an ailing national side from Greg Smith after heavy defeats in the '97 Tri-Nations, to coach the Wallabies to the Bledisloe Cup last year and has a 164 win-loss record.

TACTICAL TURN: Rugby league-influenced defence is best in the world, and has become increasingly offensive; witness the way they repeatedly strangled the All Blacks beyond the gain line last month. However, they only scored one try in relying on Matt Burke's boot that day, and appear to have sacrificed attacking flair unless they've a few tricks up their sleeve. Doubts too about the full recovery from long-term injuries such as Stephen Larkham and John Eales. But when playing at pace, are potent straight-runners with impact players such as former Springbok skipper Tiaan Strauss off the bench.

STAR TURN: John Eales. Australia need their hugely influential Captain Marvel to have fully recovered from his long-term shoulder injury. Magnificent line-out forward, athletic in the loose and a Test-class goalkicker. Can even claw down opposition goalkicks from above the crossbar for heaven's sakes.

VERDICT: Tough enough draw, even presuming they qualify as pool winners, for they will then probably have to overcome the Millennium Momentum and end a potential 11-match winning Welsh run in the quarterfinals. After which, most likely, Australia would have to beat both their Tri-Nations' rivals in turn. May not quite make it all the way this time.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "Well, it's the pin- nacle, it's everything, it's the championship of the world. For us, every four years, the Rugby World Cup is the height of achievement. We are really looking forward to it."

- John McKay (Australian team manager).