KEY POINTS:
Such is the level of quality on display that the 2007 World Cup should be packed with moments of individual brilliance. PA Sport rugby union correspondent Andrew Baldock identifies those players with star billing who could leave a lasting impression on the tournament.
BRYAN HABANA (South Africa)
Springboks speed machine Habana has established an electrifying reputation for scoring dazzling tries, and he has already collected 21 touchdowns during his 27-game Test career.
The Blue Bulls flyer possesses blistering pace - he recently raced a cheetah in a stunt watched by millions on South African television - and can unlock the most organised defences seemingly through the flick of a switch.
During a tournament when defences are likely to dominate, Habana's stunning finishing skills could help steer South Africa all the way to the final.
MATT GITEAU (Australia)
Australia's World Cup pedigree cannot be questioned. The only country to be crowned world champions twice, they are once again easing into top form at exactly the right time.
Giteau, who has forged a mighty midfield partnership alongside Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock, is a headline act, an immense talent comfortable at scrum-half, fly-half or centre.
The 24-year-old is also a prodigious goalkicker, which further underlines his worth to Australia's World Cup bid.
JAMES HOOK (Wales)
Quality fly-halves 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 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.
DAN CARTER (New Zealand)
Widely-acclaimed as the world's finest fly-half - and pound for pound, possibly the best player on planet rugby - Carter is the All Blacks' golden boy who carries a huge weight of responsibility.
His performances during New Zealand's emphatic Test series triumph over the 2005 Lions were extraordinary, and the quiet, unassuming Cantabrian will now relish stepping on to the biggest stage of all.
Carter's gifts though, mean he will be a marked man, but if he emerges
unscathed, then expect him to make the biggest single contribution towards ending New Zealand's 20-year wait for World Cup glory.
JUAN MARTIN HERNANDEZ (Argentina)
Once again, Argentina will arrive at the Rugby World Cup billed as a country most capable of upsetting the establishment. Drawn alongside France and Ireland in Pool D, don't be surprised if they finish top.
In Stade Francais star Hernandez, the Pumas boast a player of exceptional quality, a full-back with an attacking game so effective it complements superbly the creative quality of half-backs Felipe Contepomi and Agustin Pichot.
Hernandez though, is also a rock-solid defender, as he underlined when stopping Leicester's Samoan juggernaut Alesana Tuilagi in his tracks during a Heineken Cup clash between Tigers and Stade last season.
SCHALK BURGER (South Africa)
South Africa's revered power game is showcased in the considerable shape of flanker Burger, all 6ft 4in, 16st 9lbs of him, whose destructive tackling ability and physical presence at the breakdown makes him a core element of coach Jake White's plans.
Burger, with his flowing blond locks, is difficult to miss even in the heat of battle, and he will command attention from opposition players and coaches alike, such is the 24-year-old's destructive potential.
Recently returned to top-flight rugby following serious injury, and the stage is now set for him to mix it with the very best.
STIRLING MORTLOCK (Australia)
Australia will expect big things from their captain and midfield general at the World Cup, and he is unlikely to disappoint.
Mortlock has taken to leadership duties with ease, playing an influential role when the Wallabies reassured watchers worldwide that New Zealand can be beaten by toppling them during an intriguing Tri-Nations clash in Melbourne earlier this summer.
A rock-solid defender, strong runner and prolific line-breaker, Mortlock can only hope the Wallabies back division - better than New Zealand's on its day - will receive enough quality possession from the forwards to prosper.
CARL HAYMAN (New Zealand)
World-class tighthead props are a rare breed, but in 27-year-old Hayman, New Zealand possess currently the best in the business.
For all the stellar qualities of a back division containing players like Carter, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Mauger and Mila Muliaina, they will do little without the forwards providing rock-like foundations.
Hayman, who joins Newcastle after the World Cup ends in October, must shine when it comes to one of rugby's most fundamental jobs - anchoring the scrum - as New Zealand look to justify their favourite's tag.
YANNICK JAUZION (France)
France might have won last season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, but it is difficult to predict what level of performance the 2007 World Cup hosts will deliver.
Brilliant on their day, bewilderingly bad when things go wrong, France at least possess a centre whose consistency ranks him among the finest midfield talents around.
Toulouse star Jauzion is good enough to make a major impact on the tournament, even in a team that might not match expectations. But if his colleagues click as well, then even New Zealand will start sweating.
MARCO BORTOLAMI (Italy)
Bortolami, Italian rugby's figurehead, would have taken one look at his
country's qualifying pool - and then immediately targeted a quarter-final place.
While Pool C contains tournament favourites the All Blacks, considerably
lesser challenges in Scotland, Romania and Portugal also await Bortolami and company.
Italy have never reached the last-eight of Rugby World Cup, but with Gloucester lock Bortolami spearheading their bid, it could prove a tournament for them to savour.
- PA SPORT
