With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching, we profile five players who will aim to have a big say in the destination of the Webb Ellis Cup.

Sam Warburton - Wales

Wales made it all the way to the semi-finals in 2011 but their bid for glory was ended by a controversial red card for captain Sam Warburton. Warren Gatland's men, who lost 9-8 to France, were forced to play with 14 men for more than an hour after Warburton was sent off by referee Alain Rolland for a tip-tackle on Vincent Clerc at Eden Park. Rolland, maybe understandably, became public enemy number one in Wales in the immediate aftermath of the incident, with many holding the France-born Irishman personally responsible for denying the rugby-loving nation a maiden final appearance. With that in mind, Warburton should be intent on giving Welsh fans something positive to shout about this time around.

Sam Burgess - England

A star of rugby league, Burgess made the switch to union earlier this year and has just one England start under his belt to date. Despite being utilised mainly in the back row by his club Bath, national team coach Stuart Lancaster favours a role at centre for the former South Sydney Rabbitohs man. Indeed, Burgess has been selected in the position ahead of the more experienced Luther Burrell in Lancaster's 31-man World Cup squad. It remains to be seen how much of a part Burgess will play during the tournament - with Brad Barritt, Jonathan Joseph and Henry Slade providing competition - but the element of the unknown could make him a useful weapon.

Julian Savea - New Zealand

New Zealand's squad is littered with star names, not least Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, who will make their final appearances for the All Blacks at this year's tournament. Steve Hansen's men head to England as favourites but will be looking for someone to step up to the plate and make a name for themselves on the world stage. Lively winger Julian Savea scored a hat-trick on his debut in 2012 and has become one of the most prolific try-scorers in world rugby, touching down 30 times in 35 appearances. If Savea can carry that form into the tournament he will be the nemesis of opposition sides.

Israel Folau - Australia

One of the sport's most potent attacking threats, Folau has proven a huge success in both rugby codes and also spent two years playing Australian rules football. After snubbing a return to league to try his luck in union from 2013, Folau swiftly broke into the Australia set-up and managed a record-equalling 10 tries in his debut international season - including two on Test debut against the British and Irish Lions. The 26-year-old full-back has continued to shine and his pace and athleticism will provide plenty of concern for opponents as Australia aim to progress from a daunting pool.

Jonathan Sexton - Ireland

Widely regarded as the finest fly-half in the northern hemisphere, Sexton's performances will undoubtedly be key to Ireland's hopes. The Leinster playmaker made his international debut in 2009 and soon ousted the vastly experienced Ronan O'Gara to become his country's first-choice number 10. Sexton's stellar performances in 2014 led to him being nominated for World Rugby's Player of the Year award and, at the age of 30, he would appear to be at his peak heading into this tournament.