AUSTRALIA

Coach: Tim Sheens

Captain: Darren Lockyer

Star player: Billy Slater

The bookmakers' hot favourites and, with a star-studded back division, it is not difficult to understand why.

They will still be smarting from their shock World Cup final defeat by New Zealand last November and wary of their 2005 Tri-Nations loss to the Kiwis at Elland Road but that will only add to their desire.

ENGLAND

Coach: Tony Smith

Captain: Jamie Peacock

Star player: Gareth Ellis

There is huge pressure on England to perform after their dismal World Cup displays and at least they will have home advantage.

With forwards of the calibre of Jamie Peacock, Adrian Morley, James Graham and Gareth Ellis, England will hold their own up front against their opponents but they lack quality among the backs.

FRANCE

Coach: Bobbie Goulding

Captain: Olivier Elima

Star player: Clint Greenshields

Another team with a point to prove after performing disastrously at the World Cup, where they finished with the wooden spoon.

New coach Bobbie Goulding got off to an umpromising start with a mid-season mauling by England but he now has a number of key players available, including Australian-qualified duo Clint Greenshields and Casey McGuire.

NEW ZEALAND

Coach: Stephen Kearney

Captain: Benji Marshall

Star player: Benji Marshall

The Kiwis arrive as world champions but their hopes of living up to the billing have been hit by a host of withdrawals through injury.

They will want to banish memories of their 3-0 whitewash by Great Britain on their last visit in 2007 and their 2005 Tri-Nations triumph proved they can never be written off.