FRANCE  Monie won trophies galore during his time with Wigan |
Coach: John Monie. The Australian's name is synonymous with Wigan's period of success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while he also coached Parramatta Eels, Auckland Warriors and London Broncos before taking the French job in 2005. Watch out for: Thomas Bosc. The talented Catalans Dragons half-back was a massive part of his side's run to the Super League play-offs this year, and has attracted more than a little interest from union scouts in France. Comfortable in possession, Bosc invariably picks the right option in attack. World Cup history: Another side to have played in every World Cup, France won the first ever match in World Cup history, beating New Zealand 22-13 on 30 October 1954. Appearances in the final in 1954 and 1968 are their best efforts so far, with a mixed bag of results making them one of the enigmas of international rugby league. Chances: Some people are tipping France as dark horses in the tournament, with their squad dominated by much of the Dragons squad which did so well in Super League this year. But Monie has played down expectations, insisting he just wants his players to be "competitive" Did you know? The legendary full-back Puig Aubert - regarded by many as the greatest French rugby league player of all-time - was famous for his chain-smoking habit, often enjoying a cigarette during games. FIJI Coach: Joe Dakuitoga. Played in the 1995 World Cup for Fiji and had spells with the Penrith Panthers and the now defunct Sheffield Eagles. Dakuitoga was appointed coach last year and had been working in rugby league in Fiji since his contract with the Eagles expired in 1997.  Tadulala was one of the stars for a Bradford side which failed to mount a serious title challenge |
Watch out for: Semi Tadulala. The Bradford winger is not just quick but has awesome power, scoring 17 tries this season in a Bulls side which failed to hit top gear. Will be relieved to have escaped suspension for a high tackle on Wigan's Cameron Phelps in the Super League play-offs. World Cup history: Fiji made their World Cup debut in 1995, thrashing South Africa 52-6 but failing to score against England and Australia. Five years later they defeated Russia but again lost to the Kangaroos and England. Chances: Face a tough contest against France if they are to qualify from their group. Lack the depth of the likes of Tonga and Samoa. Did you know? Fiji have prepared for the World Cup with a three-week stint at the Military Forces training base in Nasinu. SCOTLAND Coach: Steve McCormack. Considered one of the brightest young coaching talents in British rugby league, McCormack's day job sees him in charge of National League One side Widnes. He was coaching in Super League with Salford at the age of just 28, and has also been at the Whitehaven helm.  Robertson was in magnificent form in the NRL Grand Final |
Watch out for: Michael Robertson. Any player that scores a hat-trick in the NRL Grand Final has to be taken very seriously indeed, and that is exactly what the 25-year-old Manly winger did in his side's victory over Melbourne Storm. World Cup history: Only made their first appearance in the 2000 tournament, and it was not an altogether happy experience. Three straight defeats saw a squad featuring the likes of Lee Gilmour and Adrian Vowles crash out at the first hurdle. Chances: Despite a healthy sprinkling of NRL and Super League players in the squad, there is no question that the Scots are the outsiders in Pool B. A surprise win in either of their group games would represent genuine progress. "There is no doubt that we are the underdogs in our group but we are quietly confident that, as always, our pride and spirit will shine through in our performance," said McCormack. Did you know? Scotland have three brothers in their squad, with Andrew, Ian and Kevin Henderson all set to make their World Cup debuts in Australia.
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