Perhaps the surprise inclusion in the Welsh backline after Warren Gatland decided to take 14 backs to New Zealand. The Dragons powerhouse will be hoping for a chance to translate regional form onto the national stage.

The Lions tourist was the surprise inclusion in the back-row party after his try-scoring exploits against Argentina gained him selection ahead of Martyn Williams and Josh Turnbull. Needs to prove he is not travelling to New Zealand just to keep spirits high off the field.

The Blues second-row established himself as the Welsh enforcer over the last 18 months. Wales will need Davies to take this to another level at the World Cup if they are to compete against the juggernaut pack of South Africa and tough Samoans and Fijians.

Deputised admirably for Adam Jones in the Six Nations with superb work-rate in the loose. But suffered serious shoulder injury against Ireland and still feeling his way back to fitness in World Cup warm-up matches.

Dragons destructive flanker has made the Welsh number six jersey his own. Dubbed the 'White Samoan' because of his hard tackling. Might have to play at openside during tournament because no specialist cover for Warburton.

The Scarlets teenage sensation is being tipped to be one of the World Cup success stories. Standing at 6ft 4in and 16st, the barnstorming wing already has six tries in eight Tests after bursting onto the scene with two on his debut against South Africa.

The Lions lock showed against Argentina he has all the tools to be one of the most influential Welsh players in New Zealand. But will need to oversee a dramatic improvement in the lineout of Wales are to have any possession to launch their backline.

Whether the Lions Test loose-head adds to his 76 caps is doubtful after not playing since January with toe and calf problems. But Wales are prepared to take him to New Zealand injured and not having played a game for nine months shows how important he is considered to the cause.

Injury to Wales captain Rees has left Bennett as the firm number one hooker going into the World Cup. Impressed in August warm-up matches in the loose and Wales will be hoping his lineout throwing is on the money in New Zealand.

Vital to Welsh World Cup hopes with his ability to unlock defences. Showing signs he now has tools to manage a game in preferred position at outside-half but might still be needed at centre or full-back.

Lions Test player of the series has recently shown glimpses he is returning to form of 2009. Pivotal to the Welsh attacking game plan in getting his 6ft 4in 17st frame over the gain line while his defensive strength has never been in doubt.

Wales like this formidable physical centre partnership with Jamie Roberts but question marks remain about whether the pair can play together with the accusation of a lack of midfield creativity. The World Cup should provide definitive answer.

The Scarlets understudy is the uncapped player in the squad. Late call-up after injury to Richard Hibbard in the final World Cup warm-up match against Argentina. Now has the chance to prove his credentials on the grandest stage of all.

The Lions Test full-back is the only specialist number 15 in the squad and Wales will be hoping he can regain his Grand Slam form, of 2008. Wales will want to see his counter-attacking skills and booming boot in evidence.

Recovering from an ankle injury so quickly to make this World Cup is Halfpenny's biggest achievement. Has had to see George North take his Wales jersey but the Lions wing could yet figure in his favoured full-back position in New Zealand.

Amazing rags to riches story for the Dragons front-rower. Was a bricklayer while playing semi-professional rugby just under 12 months ago. Now going to a World Cup as the second-string hooker.

Son of former Wales and Lions scrum-half Brynmor, Lloyd has overcome the more experienced challenge of Peel and Blues rival Richie Rees. Most naturally talented of three scrum-halves in the squad and will be hoping for chance to show this.

Hard-working lock will travel to New Zealand as the third second-row looking to break up the first-choice partnership of Davies and Jones. The Dragons giant has all the physical credentials to impose himself at international rugby. He just needs to use them now.

Lions Test star has put off-the-field troubles behind him to show how important he is to his country. Wales will need his physical attributes if they are to come through tough group.

Wales' Mr Dependable over the last 18 months on both sides of scrum. Certain to start against South Africa on September 11 after Jenkins has been ruled out through injury of the World Cup opener in Wellington.

The Scarlets back impressed in the August matches to cement his place in the squad. Will now be looking to go the next step as he looks to rival James Hook and Stephen Jones for the number 10 shirt. Can double up as full-back.

Extremely mobile for a prop and one of the fastest forwards in the squad. One for the future but if Gethin Jenkins is not fit, he might need to prove he is ready for international rugby now.

Resurgent Ryan has lifted his game since being relieved of the Welsh captaincy and will play in his first World Cup. No 8 will be hoping to shake off a calf injury to restore Six Nations back-row partnership with young flankers Lydiate and Warburton. Also covers second-row.

Wales' World Cup captain and a well-deserved accolade. Might only be 22 but our new magnificent seven has shown assured composure since given the leadership reins. No specialist open side cover in squad, so promises to be busy few weeks for Warburton in New Zealand.

Has made a late charge from nowhere to be picked as one of three specialist centres. Injury to Gavin Henson has seen him handed a deserved opportunity and will be looking to break-up the midfield pairing of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies.

The Wales wing wizard is still one of the dangermen at the grand old age of 34. 54 tries in 81 Tests for the former IRB World player of the year tells its own story. Super Shane will be looking for one lust hurrah.

Major injury doubts surround the record cap holder going into the tournament after calf trouble has plagued him for a month. No longer first choice but Lions stalwart can still provide vital experience.