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Main Issues

Wales have real concerns at tight-head where Samson Lee is rated as only "touch and go" to regain his fitness in time to take part in their earlier games. Coach Warren Gatland has not ruled out including a less-than 100 per cent fit Lee, but that would risk leaving the squad exposed should he not recover fully. Adam Jones has ruled out coming out of retirement meaning the uncapped Tomas Francis could be handed the No.3 shirt for their opener against Uruguay on Sep. 20. At centre, Jonathan Davies' injury means Wales could have problems were Jamie Roberts or Scott Williams to pick up a knock.

Squad Strength

Last week's cull that saw Gatland's squad reduced to 38 created headlines as it discarded a trio of big names, but in truth the writing had long been on the wall for James Hook and Mike Phillips in particular. For all the worry at tight-head this is still a squad packed full of experience, with the core of the 2011 Rugby World Cup side - who finished fourth - still there, and potentially aided by exciting bolters in Hallam Amos, Ross Moriarty and Tyler Morgan.

Injury Concerns

Liam Williams has undergone surgery on a foot injury, which has ruled him out of both warm-up games against Ireland. However, he is expected to be fit for the World Cup. Prop Lee could earn a place in the final 31-man squad despite being doubtful to play in Wales' opening pool games.

What are the locals saying

"A settled and maturing squad of proven winners with the experience accumulated through reaching the semi-finals of the last World Cup, two subsequent Six Nations titles and providing the bulk of the Lions Test team that conquered Australia in 2013. Concerns about the power of the Welsh scrum with either Samson Lee, if fit, or newcomer Tomas Francis needed to lock it out while the absence of key outside-centre Jonathan Davies through injury has to be overcome." - Andy Howell, Wales Online.