Winners of the 2015 Rugby Championship, Australia look to be peaking at just the right time. Unlike England, the Wallabies have selected players earning their keep overseas - and that means the inclusion of among others wing Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau.
The Toulon pair helped the French side to a historic treble of European titles last season and in Giteau, as brilliant at fly-half as in the centre, the Aussies now have one of the most talented players of his generation.
Australians love to point out that New Zealand's two World Cup wins have come on home soil, whereas Australia's previous victories were in England (1991) and Wales (1999).
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Coach Michael Cheika has breathed fresh life into the Wallabies since replacing Ewan McKenzie coach last year, and his willingness to play two open-side flankers - Michael Hooper and David Pocock - could be the inspiration that takes Australia to their third World Cup crown.
Star man: Israel Folau
Few can doubt the talent of Australian full-back Israel Folau. He has earned a living playing three codes – rugby league, Aussie Rules and rugby union. In an age of thunder and rampage, he practically floats across the playing surface, such is his balance, speed and power.
One to watch: Will Skelton
At just over 6ft 8in tall and 23 stones in weight, you certainly won't be able to miss Will Skelton. Evidently his height and bulk are the New Zealand-born second-row forward's major assets, but his ball-handling skills are simply superb for such a giant.
Coach: Michael Cheika
Michael Cheika made his fortune in fashion distribution and has coached in Italy, France and Ireland, winning the Heineken Cup in 2009 as coach of Leinster. His short temper has earned him the nickname Cyclone Cheika. He wants his players to play instinctively and has several flair players to call on.
