Johnson says he holds the Wales players in high regard

Australia attack coach Scott Johnson has labelled Wales as possible World Cup winners ahead of Saturday's Test.

Johnson helped the Dragons to the 2005 Grand Slam during a five-year stint in Wales and is wary of their potential.

"The heavyweights are back and their side for Saturday is close to the Grand Slam team. They are genuine World Cup contenders," said Johnson.

"You only have to look at the strength in depth of the squad. They have selection issues, that's a good thing."

News conference: Australia assistant coach Scott Johnson

He added: "Tom Shanklin adds impetus. He was missed last year, Tom is a world-class player and it is good to see him come back from a career-threatening injury.

"Ryan Jones burst onto the scene in the Grand Slam, went on the Lions tour and was probably the form number eight in the world at the time.

Stephen Jones is a perfect example of what that team is Scott Johnson

"To have him back adds a different look to the side and it probably helps make them very competitive against all nations."

Johnson's time in Wales - first as assistant to Graham Henry, then Steve Hansen and finally Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock - has obviously left an indelible mark on the charismatic Australian.

He says he still feels a "special bond" with the Wales players and feels "odd" returning to plot their downfall.

"This group of Welsh players are special for integrity," said Johnson, who left to join Australia in March this year after being appointed Wales caretaker coach for the final three Six Nations matches.

"They are a special group. I think Gareth Thomas epitomises everything in Wales that I love.

"He is a kid that had a second chance and I saw him represent himself and his country so well in that time."

Thomas, who starts on the wing on Saturday, has lost the captaincy as he returns to the Test arena for the first time in nine months.

Fly-half Stephen Jones has been chosen as the man to lead Wales to next year's World Cup, and Johnson believes his "second home" are fortunate to have two such strong leaders in their side.

"Stephen Jones is an upbeat kid," added Johnson. "His Welshness is a great thing but he is worldly enough to accept the difference of others.

"He is an energiser and that adds to the squad. You always want a captain that represents what your team is.