WALES are sending Canada a 20-minute warning ahead of their World Cup opener in Melbourne on Sunday.

Wales' team manager Alan Phillips says the squad are fit and ready, and raring to go after welcoming the bulk of the Welsh media in glorious weather at the Canberra Raiders training ground today.

He said Wales are prepared for a fiery opening from the Canadians, and then he delivered his 20-minute warning. "Canada are tough, they always are, and they're in your face, they keep coming at you," he said.

"We want to hit them in the first 20 minutes and put the game beyond doubt. We have picked a pack of forwards to get stuck in (the team will be officially announced on Friday).

"The first game is a vital one, and a win would put the show on the road." Phillips is aware Wales have been dismissed as no-hopers, quarter-finalists at best, where they are likely to be dumped by England.

But he insists the squad are not daunted by that. "We've been written off, but it doesn't bother me or the squad," he said.

Coach Steve Hansen had been expected to go in with his strongest line-up against Canada, but is now likely to mix the side up. There could be a first start for Australian-born Brent Cockbain, qualified for Wales this summer by residence, alongside Gareth Llewellyn.

Duncan Jones, Robin McBryde and Gethin Jenkins will form an uncompromising front row while Hansen may go for his first choice back row, Martyn Williams, skipper Colin Charvis and Dafydd Jones.

Hansen is also keen to try the centre partnership of Iestyn Harris and Sonny Parker, as well as Ceri Sweeney at outside half and Kevin Morgan, recovered from injury, at full back.

Wales (possible): K Morgan, G Thomas, I Harris, S Parker, M Jones, C Sweeney, G Cooper, Duncan Jones, R McBryde, G Jenkins, B Cockbain, G Llewellyn, Dafydd Jones, C Charvis (captain), M Williams. Kick off 9am BST.