Each nation will be preparing for their assault at Bill, and of the forty-eight games, we are sure to be treated with a combination of brilliance, luck, guts and glory.
Of the five favourites for the title, these are the key players in my view who are likely to be the game-breaker to carry their national teams forward to victory in the final on October 23.
Dan Carter (New Zealand)
The perennial underachievers will be looking for their first World Cup since 1987, and Carter holds the expectation of his nation on his shoulders. The "perfect player" has an incredible tactical kicking game and great vision as a playmaker, and will punish any penalties with the boot.
Will Genia (Australia)
The "little general" has been a revelation over the last year in international rugby, rapidly shooting up to be Australia's most influential player. Always probing and ready to inject himself into plays sees him as a constant threat in attack, and it is no wonder why World Cup winning captain Nick Farr-Jones described him as "the most valuable player that any team has"
Victor Matfield (South Africa)
South Africa's most-capped player, Victor Matfield is known as the best second-rower over the last decade. The towering lock put in some of his best performances in France 2007, and his nation took home their second World Cup on the back of his player-of-the-tournament efforts. If they are to have any chance of repeating that effort, Matfield is going to need to fire.
Chris Ashton (England)
Since Chris Ashton's defection from rugby league, his blistering pace and strength has seen him become one of the best wingers in world rugby. Before becoming the first man to score four tries in a Six Nations match this year, Ashton's performance against Australia last year will see him as one of England's likely semi-final opponents possibly 'quaking in their boots.'
Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
France's hit-and-miss record in World Cups will see them looking to Harinordoquy as the man to take them one better. The talismanic number 8 was the only northern-hemisphere player to be shortlisted for the IRB Player of the Year last year, and will no doubt be a key part of the best team never to have won a World Cup.
2011 Rugby World Cup Latest News: www.rugbyworldcup.com